What is possible & who cares?
I’ve recently embraced a wonderful new habit of walking in the bush for an hour most mornings. I love the soothing sound of the stream as it winds around the rocks and the way sunlight dances through the trees.
While I usually prefer staying fully attuned to my surroundings, this morning, I decided to listen to a podcast during my walk. It was a conversation between Tami Simon and Margaret (Meg) Wheatley on the topic 'Beyond Hope and Fear.' Their discussion offered a few insightful gems, but what really piqued my interest was Wheatley's distinction between two approaches: asking, 'What is broken?' and 'How can I fix it?' versus focusing on 'What is possible?' and 'Who cares?
Although Wheatley discussed this in the context of how to live a meaningful life amidst threatening global events and the potential decline of our civilization, I could instantly see how this might be pertinent to all areas of life, at a macro and micro level. We can choose to look for "what is wrong" instead of "what is possible" in any of our relationships, work situations or personal health.
Take personal health and wellbeing
How often do we, for example, focus on what is wrong with our body or our thinking, rather than directing our attention to what is possible? I know for myself that focusing on what is wrong (e.g. a pain in my back, lack of mobility in my shoulder etc.) limits my thinking to "I just want it to disappear", "I wish it was different" or "It shouldn't be like this". However, if I shift my focus to what’s possible - experiencing the joy of moving more freely without pain - I’m more likely to take actions aligned with that desired reality. And I’ll do so not with gritted teeth, but with a lighthearted, playful attitude.
Who cares?
Well, I do, or I wouldn't write about it. I believe in the power of mindset and the impact of words —the language we choose, whether in self-talk or in conversation, truly matters. As a massage therapist, I care deeply about your wellbeing. My goal is not only to help you feel free from pain by the end of a session, but also to leave you feeling more positive within yourself and with more options on how to move forward.
Asking what is possible engages different parts of the brain compared to focusing on what’s wrong. It has the potential to open new doors, spark new ways of thinking, and broaden our perceptions. This shift also helps protect us from viewing the world in black and white, which often leads to division and 'othering' rather than fostering community and togetherness.
One more thing to consider. Before we can explore what's possible, we must first become fully present to what is. Skipping this step might lead to self-deception, as we convince ourselves with empty reassurances that, "She'll be alright, mate!"
Kindly and with love
Uschi
Questions for you
Think of a problem you're currently facing and rephrase it as 'What is possible here?' How does this shift in perspective make you feel?
What words or phrases have the power to uplift you, and which ones tend to shut you down?
Beyond Hope and Fear | Margaret J. Wheatley | Insights at the Edge Podcast
Tune in for an inspiring call to become a "spiritual warrior" at this precarious time in history, with profound insights on how life exists in cycles—and why this is important to understand; putting our energy and desire to contribute in the right places; compassion and insight; seeing clearly so we can act wisely
Kind Living Massage
When working with a client, I strive to treat the body as a whole, focusing on expanding what is possible for your well-being.
Why I love Myofascial Release
Myofascial Release is a gentle and intuitive therapy that I find deeply transformative. Instead of just addressing isolated issues, I treat the body as a whole. Myofascial treatment is about rebalancing your body and helping it return to its natural, optimal alignment, so it can begin to heal itself. I love that it is able to create profound change not by force but by applying gentle, steady and specific pressure to areas of restriction. As the fascia begins to release, blood flow improves, and tightness in the body starts to melt away.
I’ve seen how this approach not only alleviates pain but also enhances overall well-being, allowing for a deeper connection to one’s body and a renewed sense of freedom in movement.
And best of all, clients experience the treatment as deeply relaxing and nourishing.