Break the Fourth Wall: develop a critical eye and an open mind

I was scrolling through my feed and saw one of those inspirational picture quotes that read, “..be careful, if you’re easily triggered you’re easily manipulated.” I had to sit with it. I could think of countless times I’ve been triggered on social media. Most often by silly little things, my mind blew out of portion, those games we all tend to play in our private thoughts. Cognitive biases: mind-reading, comparisons, jumping to conclusions, labeling- you name it. It’s automatic, we all do it. Some of us are less conscious of it, and therefore unable to ground our reactions.

From time to time, I took breaks from social media to be done with the extra judgments I “felt” from others and myself. It’s really easy for people to take the character we portray to be who we are (when it’s only a part of us). We too easily see others as one-dimensional characters when we base them on their social media. To give a funny example.. On my personal account, I used to only post all the scrumptious food I ate, for no reason other than the fact that I’m a total foodie! As a result, people I hadn’t seen in years would make comments along the lines of “with all the food you eat I’m surprised you’re not..” OK- you see where I’m going with this.

Should I have been surprised that people assumed that’s all I did- was eat? I guess not.

Sometimes we can’t help but take things at face value and use imagination to connect with limited facts. 

But it started to make me wonder now as I post content about yoga, meditation, and inspirational quotes, etc. 

Did others just assume I was peaceful all the time? I hoped not, because it’s just not realistic. I had to think about why I created this professional mental health account in the first place.

It truly was to speak freely about my feelings, experiences, and to be vulnerable in hopes that others would feel inspired to do the same. Those healing reflections evolved to provide tools for healing like meditation and yoga. 

But never did I claim to have it figured out- because I don’t. Nor did I intend for people to think that my whole life is a spiritual retreat- because it’s really not.

Some days, (and more often these days) I’m content with being still. On the couch, maybe binge-watching some shows or painting instead of doing work. Guilt-free, content, and multidimensional. 

I’m changing and growing all time, like every individual in this life.

My growth as a therapist will always be parallel to my clients.

As healers, teachers, and guides our accolades are nothing compared to the practice we put in our real and personal lives. 

So refrain from judgments when you scroll through your phones. 

No one is perfect. 

But we’re ALL more than meets the eye.

And if you’ve come this far in reading, thank you for hearing me out. 

Break the fourth wall!

Send me a message and tell me who you really are- that I’d love to know.