Ever heard those whispers of worry that echo through your mind, weaving tales of doubt and fear? Yeah, those pesky critters can turn even the sunniest day into a storm. My stomach used to knot up like a sailor's rope at the mere hint of their approach, breathing shallow and rapid like a fish out of water.
But here's the secret: your mind holds the power to banish those gremlins, not with a sword, but with a gentle shift in focus. Dan Millman, a wise soul with a knack for weaving magic into words, revealed this simple yet potent technique. Picture this:
Three tiny questions, shimmering like fireflies in the darkness:
1. Am I breathing? A simple inhale, a gentle exhale. That's it. The breath becomes your anchor, reminding you of the present moment, where fear has no foothold.
2. Am I relaxed? Soften your shoulders, unclench your fists. Let go of the tension like releasing a butterfly from your palm. Feel the ground beneath your feet, a steady support amidst the swirling thoughts.
3. Am I moving with grace? (For if you're walking) Let your steps whisper stories of ease and serenity. Each footfall a gentle brushstroke on the canvas of the moment.
The beauty lies in the focus. Three questions, three points of attention, leaving no room for the gremlins' dramatics. It's like turning a spotlight on a stage, leaving the shadows in the wings, forgotten and powerless.
This trick isn't just for calming inner storms. I've seen its magic work on both sides of the camera lens. When photographing nervous subjects, these questions become whispers of encouragement, guiding them into a space of relaxed presence. And suddenly, their smiles radiate from within, capturing a beauty far deeper than any pose.
If you're curious to delve deeper into this path of inner peace, I highly recommend two books that were like lighthouses for me: Dan Millman's "Way of the Peaceful Warrior" and "No Ordinary Moments." The first one, I confess, was a life-changer, a gentle nudge onto a path of self-discovery.
So, the next time those fear gremlins come knocking, remember these three tiny questions. They might just be the secret key to unlocking a world of peaceful presence, both for yourself and those around you. And who knows, maybe you'll even discover a touch of photographic magic along the way.
Neal Lloyd
