The Mind Gap
Commonly known as the ‘void’.
In recent times I’ve decided to visit this elusive space. Not because I wanted to necessarily, but because I had to.
So, before we deep dive into that journey let me unpack this. To my way of thinking the void is that gap in our thinking that provides the space to reflect, contemplate, review, re-assess our life. It’s an opportunity for us to objectify what’s going on for us past, present and future.
The problem is many of us don’t want to see this. Our self-esteem, self-worth and self-love is too low. Our fear is if we sit still for long enough we won’t be able to cope with the reality. We might just have to deal with our emotions, our relationships, our health and wellbeing.
So, we choose the ‘express’ train, no stops. We choose to avoid the mind gap, the void. We choose escape in the form addiction and obsessive behavior.
If we run hard and long enough we get to avoid the ‘NOW’, which is where the void lives.
Eventually, you run out of energy. Quite simply this is unsustainable. The stress and anxiety associated with managing your addictions builds up. Your OCD starts leading to mistakes and errors. You lose touch with those closest to you. And eventually lose touch with yourself.
You might even experience a MACK truck! Your escape plan infiltrates your business and personal lives and creates monumental cracks. Or you have a break down and need help.
If this sounds like you don’t worry, you’re not on your own.
The question is ‘are you prepared to visit the mind gap, the void, the now?
At first this space will be unfamiliar, uncomfortable maybe even terrifying. But that will pass.
You may need to throw a spanner in the works to help you a little: an anti-depressant; a hypnotherapy or emotional freedom technique – tapping session; tough love from a close friend; witnessing a close friend fall apart or become chronically ill.
Whatever the moment, feel the fear and embrace it. Observe it, see it as interesting not terrifying.
As I said at first it will be uncomfortable particularly if you are dealing with withdrawal from an addiction. Let’s face it we’re all addicted to something, even an unhealthy behavior.
In my experience when I go thru this process this is what happens. My senses heighten. I see, smell and hear new things, senses I haven’t had for a long while. My sense of gratitude, appreciation increases. My creativity improves, my stress and anxiety lessen. My relationships change.
When I feel emotion I simply sit with it, not making it mean anything.
I meditate to further enhance this process. I become mindful.
In a word, I become my own interested observer.
So, if you’re relating to this, just be with it, you’ll be ok. Talk to a close friend, colleague. Join a support group, find a therapist, talk to your trusted practitioner.
Experience your own MIND-GAP.
About the Author:
Dr. Andrew Arnold (Chiropractor) is a Chiropractor and the Million Dollar Wellness Mentor.
Founder: Cranbourne Family Chiropractic and Wellness Centreand Million Dollar Wellness
Andrew is married to Dr. Linda Wilson, the Stress Specialist and has two children, Isaac and Bella. He lives in Melbourne, Australia.