It is easy to get into overwhelm, discouragement or just a plain ole “funk”. I describe being in a funk as those times when you don’t feel like doing anything. You are unmotivated, unresourceful and not at all creative.
REASONS FOR BEING IN A FUNK
Daily, we are bombarded by social media images of happy people that seemingly have it all together. They appear to be living the life of bliss and abundance that we only wish we could be living.
At the same time, the newest shiny object presents yet another thing for us to put on our list of things we should be doing. Just when you are starting to feel good about your blog or social media page a new guru arises to tell you videos are where its at.. As you strive to master video the next expert tells you that you need to have a podcast. And so on and so on, like a hamster on a wheel the faster we go the more we stay in the same place.
A closer look reveals that both of these phenomenons have something in common. Lack! Whether I lack the freedom, romance or material possessions or I lack the newest technology in my business. The result is the same. I feel that I fall short. That I am somehow just not smart enough, talented enough, rich enough, etc.
The feeling of overwhelm plus the feeling of not-enoughness is a sure prescription for stagnation and depression, anxiety, depression or despair. Add to that skipping meals, sleep, exercise and it’s no wonder we feel in a funk!
THINGS TO TRY WHEN YOU FEEL YOU ARE IN A FUNK
The first step to transformation is always awareness.
Become aware of your thoughts.
What thoughts occupied your mind right before the funk?
One of my favorite scriptures is Paul’s letter to the Romans.
“And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind” – Rom 12:2 AMP
Transformation happens when we re-new our mind. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians says the way to do that is, “taking every thought captive” (2 Cor 10:5).
This happens every time we become what Eckhardt Tolle calls the “observer” and begin to think about our thinking. Thoughts are either fear (lie)-based or love (truth)-based. As we become aware of the thought those that are lie-based often begin to lose much of their power.
Activate your Power of Choice
The key is to remember that we have the God-given power of choice. We can choose our thoughts and we can choose different ones.
in Gabrielle Bernstein’s newest book, “Super Attractor: Methods for Manifesting a Life beyond Your Wildest Dreams” she gives 3 powerful steps to “choose differently”.
- Witness the fear-based thought.
- Forgive the thought (or yourself for having the thought).
- Give it away. Ask the universe for guidance to reframe it.
I love the final step. It is powerful. This is where faith, prayer, and surrender enter in.
Ask God to reveal the lies or distortions that hold us captive and ask Him to show you the truth. It is the truth that sets us free.
For if you embrace the truth, it will release more freedom into your lives.” – John 8:32 TPT
In an interview on the Marie Forleo show, Gabrielle shared an example of a lie-based thought she held that many of us are all too familiar with
“If I don’t do it, it won’t get done”
This thought was not only lie-based but had crippling effects for her. She shares a powerful concept
“Whenever we are in a place where we are pushing or controlling or manipulating or trying to make things happen we are cutting off our super attractor power” – Gabrielle Bernstein
She has since changed that disempowering belief and has surrounded herself with a team of people who help her.
Take action or move.
Physically moving whether by dancing, running or taking a hike in the woods refreshes our mind and helps us shift our mindset.
Taking a trip to a new place or driving on a different road not only is great for your brain but will often change your mindset when you are in a funk.
I have also found getting into action and doing something I have been putting off gives me a powerful lift.
Breathe, ground and connect with nature.
Getting outside and taking some deep breaths can work wonders. Too often our breathing is shallow and our mind and cells are not fully oxygenated and vitalized.
Doing yoga is another great way to reconnect our mind and body and learn to breathe again.
Taking off our shoes and connecting with the earth is a powerful grounding (earthing) exercise. The earth is a powerful source of negative ions. We are bombarded with positive ions all day from electronics, cells phones, etc. When we wear shoes all day and don’t spend time connecting with the earth we get out of balance. Since I work from home, I make a habit of going barefoot and getting out on my lawn a few times a day. Studies show that when we connect to the earth reduces stress, improves sleep, and shifts the body out of the fight or flight stress response.
Prayer, meditation and gratitude
I saved the best for last. There is nothing that lifts me like a good gratitude fest. First I thank God for anything and everything. Then I tap into the feeling of love and gratitude that fills my heart. And it magnifies…
“That which we appreciate, appreciates!”
When we focus on what we lack it takes us into a funk. When we appreciate and focus on all that we have it lifts us high. Perhaps that is why the book of Psalms says we enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.(Psalms 100)
True confessions
The fascinating part of this story is that before writing this I found myself in a funk. Fortunately, I was conscious enough to identify the thoughts as something separate from myself. In other words, I did not own them or personalize them. I knew I was having thoughts that didn’t align with who I am.
Because they were low vibration in nature I also knew they were lie-based.
The first thing I did was pray. Then I went for a brisk walk. I have found that movement shifts things and movement combined with faith-filled prayers can move mountains. I asked God to reveal the truth and show me a new way of thinking. As I sat down to write this a new YouTube episode of Marie Forleo interviewing Gabrielle flashed on my phone screen. It has been a long time since I have watched MarieTV but I knew I was supposed to watch this. And It was exactly what I needed to hear. It was also a huge confirmation that God had heard my prayers. In the closing part of the show, Gabrielle spoke of how when we get in these low vibration thought patterns Spirit is working on our behalf and that often a book or show will be brought to our attention. hmmm
What do you do when you are in a funk? Share your ideas in the comments below.
Praying YOU prosper in ALL things
Brenda
About the author
Brenda Byers is the founder of www.prosperinallthings.com and has built multi-million dollar companies and sales teams. She has mentored leaders from many walks of life. Coaching the spectrum from single moms and budding entrepreneurs to founders of corporations. Her private coaching clients increase their income exponentially while learning to live their bliss and serve their communities. She believes God is the business partner of choice. She shares cutting edge science and spiritual wisdom that will set you free and your business soaring. Brenda is a highly sought out inspirational speaker and corporate trainer at conferences and retreats.
She recently released the Prosper by Design Coach Certification Program. A comprehensive, biblically-based, science-backed online and offline program to grow your faith, income, and influence! Develop confidence and a success mindset, hone your skills and experience lasting personal & business breakthrough. SCHEDULE with Brenda to see if coaching is right for you and take a FREE TOUR of the Prosper By Design Coaching Certification Program.
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