working from the inside out

By Julia Armstrong

At some level, the reality of the banks and the share prices, people’s money, houses and jobs disappearing is simply existential fear. At some level. At another it is real and frightening for those affected: lifestyles upheaved, status and safety gone in the twinkling in an eye.

But the safety was always a chimera. The only certainty we have is that nothing is certain and everything is subject to change – just like that.

Everything Changes

Whenever we experience huge, unexpected loss or change that was outside our radar of life vision it is usual to feel vulnerable, afraid and in doubt as to whether we have what it takes to get through and carry on. It is often, though, these big life changes and challenges that ultimately become our source of strength, the time where we found we did have what it took and we come away somehow better, stronger, more confident that all will be well – always, even when it isn’t.

Once we become connected to the idea that the richness of life lies in all its experiences, that the lows and the struggles have as much to offer to our spiritual growth as the highs then we can find a place of ease within and be more prepared to seek to learn how we can manage and sustain ourselves. If we are interested in finding out who we truly are and facing the fact, full on, that one day we will die, then we are in a better position to fully live, and to find ways of being in ourselves that mean that we know without question that whatever life throws at us we have what it takes to sustain ourselves and carry on.

Know thyself

The key to self management is self knowledge. Being reflexive and conscious means that you are in charge of you. Becoming curious about your patterns, your stories and your reactions to people and events means that you will be more able to live in the present, knowing that whatever occurs you will deal with it. You can only deal with the now anyway – you can learn from the past and create the future in the now by how you think and what you say, but you can only live this moment. And from self knowledge and self management comes the quality of being in your centre, your core, knowing that within you there is a place of calm and peace that is always there, whatever is going on.

In sporting terms it is now widely recognized that good core stability is the root to success in most sports. If you are strong, balanced and flexible in the core it reduces the possibility of long term health problems, helps you perform better in sport and in everyday life and means you will have better posture – stand straighter and taller - and the lower back problems that usually occur for most people will not be part of your experience. It can be possible to perform movements that you’d forgotten you were ever capable of and iron out aches and pains, sleep better and approach everything you do with more energy and a more positive attitude.

Resilience

So - the best way to be strong, agile and resilient is to work from the core out, physically and emotionally. You will gain in confidence and develop inner knowledge about yourself. With greater self awareness you will develop the ability reach the highest goals personally and feel confident that you can sustain and manage yourself whatever happens. This feeling generates a far more carefree and expansive attitude to living and means that life, rather than feeling like a minefield, is an adventure!

Julia has worked with people for over thirty years as a life coach and therapist.  Her skills lie specifically in enabling people to have healthy and happy relationships with themselves and others. She is an Educator for the Imago model of relationship therapy, which is a powerful tool in enabling people to really listen to one another and validate and value their differences. Julia's work leads others towards real connection, healing and personal growth, allowing relationship to become a place to experience living with more joy and creativity.  To learn more visit www.juliaarmstrong.com