Hi, and welcome. If you are reading this, my intention for us today is the utmost compassion. Compassion for me as I share these thoughts, and compassion for you as you receive these words. Before continuing, I want to take a moment to call in the energy of Kwan Yin. Her presence is always so soft, gentle, and nurturing to my spirit, and I think we could all use a little bit of that kindness right now.
The Subtle Energy of Our Words
I think a lot about words and how they land in our bodies. Living here in Minnesota, it feels appropriate to use the words nice and kind as examples. They sound similar, but their energetic frequencies are worlds apart. To me, “Minnesota Nice” often carries a passive-aggressive undertone. I have found it can stem from a fear of hurting feelings rather than real honesty. But kindness? Kindness is anchored, comfortable, and pure.
As a healing catalyst and intuitive mentor, my work is all about noticing these subtle shifts. When we are deep in our own healing journeys, we don’t always have the capacity to see the small habits that are quietly keeping us stuck.
Lately, I’ve been hearing a specific phrase roll off the tongues of clients, friends, and even myself: “I caught myself.”
“I caught myself doing that thing again. I caught myself slipping into that old pattern.”
When you look at the subtlety of that phrase, what does it feel like? To me, it feels like a trap. It carries an energy of self-punishment, guilt, or shame, as if you’ve broken a sacred promise to yourself. It’s a heavy way to live.
Shifting into the Present Moment
What if we traded that phrase for one that carries a different kind of energy? What if, instead of catching yourself, you simply said, “I notice”?
“I notice I am choosing that behavior again. I notice my thoughts are spinning.”
The word notice is neutral, and it feels a lot more present than catching yourself does. It strips away the disappointment and brings in a sense of openness, forgiveness, and grace. When you operate from a space of neutrality rather than pain or guilt, you are suddenly free to make a choice that actually aligns with your highest good. You aren’t just counteracting a swinging pendulum; you are pausing.
A Gentle Somatic Practice for Today
The next time you are moving through your day, scan your physical body somatically. Do your language and thoughts make you feel open and spacious, or do they leave you feeling tense and contracted?
If you feel tight, breathe, extend some compassion to yourself, and try shifting your words. One tiny choice at a time can completely change your energy. That energy shift can change a whole lot!