Bringing the Awareness Inwards
We all have those moments. A fleeting thought, a visceral reaction, a feeling of unease that seems to bubble up from nowhere. For me, it started with a simple “Yuuck!” A seemingly insignificant exclamation, yet it triggered a cascade of bodily and emotional responses, prompting a deeper dive into the conversation of the self and the created thought. This is the story of that inward journey, and its unexpected consequences.
The Initial Spark: "Yuuck!"
It began with a simple, almost involuntary, “Yuuck!” It wasn’t just a word; it was a physical manifestation of discomfort. Immediately, my body responded:
Bodily Reactions :
- My throat tightened, as if suppressing a wave of nausea.
- My shoulders rose and hunched forward, creating a defensive posture.
- The muscles in my face contracted, reflecting tension and disgust.
These physical reactions were a clear signal that something was amiss. But what?
Engaging with the Thought: Unraveling the Disgust
I decided to engage with the thought, to explore the source of this intense reaction. The immediate response was: “My god, this guy makes me feel so disgusted.”
This led to a continuation of the internal dialogue :
- “Just the appearance of this dude makes me feel uncomfortable.”
- “The way he smiles, he walks, my god I can’t bear with this sight.”
- “This guy makes me feel suffocated.”
The Ripple Effect: The Phone Call
The story didn’t end there. When the same person called, the physical and emotional reactions intensified:
- Reaction to the Call :
- My face wrinkled up.
- My eyes rolled upwards.
- My chest muscles contracted.
- I felt a general tightness in my body.
Despite trying to prepare myself by practicing “hello,” my voice sounded artificial, and the tightness in my throat persisted.
- During the Call :
- I used a superficial “hi” voice.
- Irritation mounted.
- My body went into defense mode.
- Unconsciously, I bullied the person’s perceived “stupidness.”
- After Disconnecting :
- My entire body was tight.
- My heart raced.
- I had shallow breaths.
- I felt restless and irritated.
Reflecting on the Aftermath
I began to reflect: “Why am I feeling this way? He was being kind. Why was I annoyed and disgusted? I simply made him feel bad and low.”
Observations:
- Bodily tiredness.
- My entire body was crunching inwards.
- Mental restlessness.
- Zero balance while walking.
- Awkward posture.
- Irritation towards loved ones.
The Power of Devaluing Thought: A Lesson Learned
After reflection, it became clear: “It all started from the thought ‘Yuuck.’ If I hadn’t engaged with the thought each time I felt ‘yuck’ about this guy, I wouldn’t have gone through all this. I should stop labeling the thought and instead just observe it without engaging.”
Moral: The Power of Devaluing Thought
This experience highlights the immense power of our thoughts and the consequences of engaging with them without awareness. By devaluing the initial thought, by simply observing it without labeling or judgment, we can prevent a cascade of unfavourable emotions and physical reactions.
Key Takeaways :
- Our initial reactions can have a significant impact on our subsequent behaviors and emotions.
- Engaging with thoughts without awareness can lead to a cycle of reactivity.
- Observing thoughts without judgment can help us break free from these cycles.
- The body holds the score of our emotional reactions.
Questions for Reflection :
- Have you experienced a similar ripple effect from a single thought?
- How do you typically handle thoughts and emotions?
- What strategies can you use to observe thoughts without judgment?
- How does your body react to stress from persistent thoughts?
Conclusion :
The journey from a simple “Yuuck!” to a day of emotional and physical turmoil is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-awareness and the power of devaluing thoughts. By learning to observe our thoughts without judgment, we can create a more peaceful and balanced inner world.
To explore this practice further, join our program, The Art of Witnessing, where we support you in your journey of detached observation. Learn to cultivate compassion for your body and mind and move towards a life free from emotional turbulence and past imprints.
Join Glitz Arogya and begin a journey of authentic living — through the Art of Witnessing.
About the Author :
Amulya Parmesh, MSc Psychology (BPS), YCB-certified Yoga Teacher & Evaluator, and Holistic Therapist (CI, PRT), is the founder of the Glitz Arogya Mind-Body Program. She brings a unique blend of scientific understanding and yogic wisdom to her practice. Glitz Arogya is dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve holistic well-being through integrated mind-body therapies.
