I forgot I'd read this book. The re-read was pleasant nonetheless. Nice reminder to find our strengths. For example, if we're in the avoidant mode, the upside may be a knack for being self-contained. For the anxious mode, strengths = ensuring a sense of safety and staying connected. In the anxious mode, we can ruminate to get a clear understanding of some issue.
We are hardwired for positivity (a class of neurons are dedicated to spotting someone's smile or laugh). Playfulness is a powerful mode shifter.
In the secure mode, we're more understanding, having a larger perspective, and think more clearly. We feel stable, centered and replete. We're more responsive, less reactive. We feel connected, and are more kind and patient, viewing things more positively.
When we intentionally shift out of a negative mode, we take charge of our own brain function. In theory, the brain rewires a tiny bit each time we made a mode shift. The more we do it, the stronger that new wiring becomes, and the easier it gets -- a principle known as neuroplasticity.
Repeated practice rewires the brain. As the basal ganglia take over, that response becomes the new default option -- what we automatically do. Just a small nudge can create some breathing space or a few soft words to ourselves may open us to a wider perspective/change in attitude. With more entrenched and emotionally charged modes, the shift requires dedication and diligence.
The Tibetan words that are translated into English as 'midfulness' are drempa (literally remembering to be aware and recollect the pertinent instruction) and sesshin (knowingness or consciousness, reconnecting, presence). A third quality is bayu: applying choice wisely, how to apply a remedy in a particular situation.
Awareness is the hidden ingredient.
A mindful pause allows us to step back from immersion and be aware of what's going on.
A hug can nudge us toward a secure mode, as does just talking with someone who is caring. When we see someone in need of connection, we might help connect with their inner strength -- then we become something like each other's immune system of the heart. When someone is in the anxious mood, your mindful presence is enough, offering the safe container of the secure mode by pay full attention with heartfelt empathy. It's not advisable to say: You're in an anxious mode and try to talk them out of it. Instead, yield to a sense of calm spaciousness. A kind and caring warmth can help them feel safe, if only at the subliminal level. It invites them to find that healthy mode within themselves.
Everywhere everyone gravitates to a shared secure base.
3 types of people prime a secure mode:
- Who do you like to spend time with?
- Who do you turn to for comfort when you're upset?
- Who do you feel you can always count on?
You don't need to be i their physical presence to benefit. Just bringing them to mind can be soothing.
- May I be safe and feel secure
- May I be tolerant, patient, and kind
- May I be calm and clear
- May I be free from anxious clinging
(Reminds me of the Sanskrit - Lokah samastha sukhino bhavanthu - may all beings be happy & free)
Sati, the Pali word for mindfulness, means 'not forgetting.'
"We are not only connected, we are inseparable."
notes from 12 Jul 2013
“Don’t put your purpose before your connection.” Bob "RJ" Sadowski
There are people who act in such mildly predator-like ways all too often. They try to get their way, to dominate. In this mode, people are aggressive, self-interested, ready to take over. They can be effective in some ways -- taking bold risks, getting things done -- but at an emotional cost to those they push around.
“I want this horse to feel safe while I’m working with her so I try to stay attuned to how she might be feeling... That’s the art of this work: responding to the needs and changes of the moment and staying tuned in to that.” - Bob
If we notice the disconnects, which ordinarily occur without our realizing it, we can change course and greatly improve the quality of our communications.
MODES
Attached (I want): Greedy yearning. Grasping and clinging
Aversive (I don’t want): Negativity, anger, resentment. Sees faults, makes harsh judgments, rejects
Bewildered (I don’t understand): Feelings of confusion, agitation, indecision, indifference.
Avoidant (Stay away): Numbness. Withdrawal from people and avoidance of emotions.
Predator-like (I’m the boss; I’m special): Extreme confidence, grandiosity. Arrogance, condescension.
Prey-life (I must do whatever others want): Helplessness. Passivity and acquiescence to demands.
Perfectionist (I must meet highest standards and do my duty): Feelings of guilt and self-judgment. Duty-bound lack of spontaneity.
Secure (I am safe, capable, resilient, positive, connected): Feelings of security, repletion, happiness, openness to others. Acts with confidence and flexibility.
Mindful pauses can develop into the habit of checking our intentions and distinguishing between our choices as well as aligning our choices with what’s needed in the moment. Sprinkle the day with mindful pauses...Mindfulness acts like a mental immune system, roaming its domain to repel undesirable invaders.
ANTIDOTE TO MODES
Attached (I want): Apply restraint to impulse, be self-contained and content. Be generous and disenchanted.
Aversive (I don’t want): Be patient and accepting and empathize and understand others
Bewildered (I don’t understand): Bring clarity, investigative inquiry, a discerning attention to situations.
Anxious: Challenge exaggerated fears. Be more self-contained in relationships.
Avoidant (Stay away): Feel safe confronting intense emotions, become comfortable with intimacy and closeness
Predator-like (I’m the boss; I’m special): Empathize and consider other people’s needs and wants rather than imposing an agenda; be open to honest feedback; take responsibility rather than blame others.
Prey-life (I must do whatever others want): Be assertive in expressing your needs and rights strongly and clearly. Connect with your own preference.
Perfectionist: Relax and be more accepting of yourself and others. Be more spontaneous. Balance productivity with taking care of yourself.
If we find partners who are sensitive, responsive and caring, having repeated secure-base experiences with them can be reparative, making us more able to be there for other people in our lives.
We can also look inward. Build the foundation of a secure mode on our own and become that source of nurturance for ourselves.
“I wish I could show, when you are lonely or in darkness, the astonishing light of your own Being.”
- Hafiz