Don't live on Auto-Pilot anymore. Go on Manual Control! Watch out for Red Flags!
This entry was inspired by a friend, CGL
We were jogging at a stadium, and after a few rounds, I would say to him "Cannot! Cannot! Can't run anymore...".
As I was catching my breathe, he told me physically I could have continue running, but mentally, you gave up. (In a way, he was saying I am weak in my mind).
Instead of getting upset, I kind of got "enlighten".
Remember what I've always wrote about Mindfulness, acknowledging your thoughts, be watchful of your thoughts and beliefs. This is happening to me, and I didn't even realize it.
I wanna share with you the insights I got.
Self-Preservation Auto-Pilot
In our mind, there is this Self-Preservation Auto-Pilot, it's programme since young, from past learning experiences to keep us from dangers. It works by sending "Red Flags" to us like, "Better don't do it", "It will not work", "You are tired, take a rest", "It's too difficult for you", "Let someone else do it", "Your stamina is not as good", "It will just be like the last time"..
First of all, it's a flawed system.
Second, we are unaware of it! It just run in the background, it's automatic.
Third, We automatically believe our thoughts as if it's true!
This is a pervasive auto-pilot system that is in all aspect of our life! Fitness, Work, Love life.. etc.
Keeping Us Prisoners
With that "Auto-pilot" in place, we are constantly shepherd by our mind through the "Red Flags" to keep to our boundaries. It limits our abilities, and possibilities. We are kept within our "comfort (or really, discomfort) zone" We are fenced in!
Recognized It! Take on Manual control
From now on, be aware of those "Red flags" your Auto-pilot is sending you. Recognised that all of those red flags are historical, based on PAST learning and experiences... It is often flawed! There's a bigger pasture outside of the fence..
Take on Manual control.
Acknowledge those Red Flags.
Thank your mind for doing that to keep you safe (but it's not working).
Create new Green Flags to overwrite the system.
Instead of "I'm tired, can't run anymore", say "I am tired, but I can still go on, even though I may run slower, I will not stop!".
What do you THINK?
Moses Hng