How to Get Your Head Out of Your Ass
A 5-minute practice to shift from Me to You
On Flourishing Fridays, we explore how to be Mostly Brave and create our true desires. If you suffer from ‘too-much-me-ism,’ or wonder if your creative work even matters, today’s 5-minute practice (jump to prompts) is for us. But first, walk with me as I sing for Mama Ocean…
Who is our creative sh*t for, anyway?
Our culture is a Temple to the Self. Most of us were not bred to think collectively or to make our lives into a gift that serves the greater good (I was a (mostly) self-centered, corporate, workaholic, resting bitchface until seven friends died young1 and showed me what matters). How can we serve ourselves and others? That’s our sweet spot, Mostly Braves.
Lately, I’ve fidgeted with indecision, perfectionism, distractions, etc., seeking clarity to complete a few projects before my expiration date. It’s been a hella lot of navel-gazing. Wish I’d mastered one of those head-out-of-ass yoga poses (ass-anas 😆), so I could focus on my fellow humans and their needs for a minute.
In 2020, one of my most beloved Earthlings jumped out of a window. At 24, she could not tolerate being in her own skin.2 Thankfully, she lived to bravely face her stuff. She’s back in rehab; I’m so proud of her for asking for help 🙌🏼 and persevering.
Another young friend I adore is heartbroken. A long relationship is ending with a confusing tangle of emotion. Ahhh, the hardships of loving people.
My graphic novel, Meet Your Monkeys,3 began with several young ones in my heart. I, too, have felt insecure, anxious, and afraid that I don’t belong; this book is a gift for them, so they may see their smarts, beauty, and true value reflected in its pages.
This work becomes more pressing, joyful, and meaningful when I hold these people in my heart.
I can’t wave a magic wand to make the pain go away (my magic wand is still in the shop, waiting for parts, etc.) But may this story soothe the Soul, by showing how IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT.4 We’ve all inherited so much sh*t, old stories that play in our minds. Relationships are hard. Life is pain. And we can learn to give ourselves a break from the Monkey thought patterns that inflict even more suffering. 🙉🙊🙈
Thankfully, I got my head out of my ass to carry on with my Mostly Brave work. I do use humor to unveil the ways that fear runs our minds. I do alchemize neuroscience and psychology findings into a compelling, compassionate story.
Who needs YOUR creative work? How can it help others? Here’s what a few Mostly Brave friends had to say:
Your turn! See you in the comments 👇🏼
Today’s 5-min. practice: Rolled-up Sleeves
May this 5-minute practice activate your helping hands. This video features my ridiculous alter-ego Queen Poopicina sharing the potty-mouth, ‘Holy Sh*t’ 💩 version of the tool, with a spontaneous song. Or you can follow the steps below.
Rolled-up Sleeves: How can I be more useful?
BREATHE deeply, softening your shoulders.
CONSIDER a challenge affecting others in your world. Who could use some help?
VISUALIZE wearing a long-sleeved shirt. IMAGINE getting ready to work, by rolling up your sleeves. FEEL the material; notice any texture, pattern, color.
SEE yourself in motion, willing and able to help others. What are you doing?
NOTICE the results of your labors. Did it make a difference? Improve the situation?
REFLECT when done: “Doing this work feels... ”
Make it Real: Activate your helping hands
EXPLORE: Write in a journal or tell someone about the work you imagined doing for others. Add your comment 👇🏼
CREATE: Brainstorm a list of at least 10 ways you could show up to help others.
MANIFEST: This week, make time to actually do one of your ideas. How can you contribute your skills to help folks in need?
🗣️ Your turn to be Mostly Brave.
Yoga much? Share a pose for head-in-ass removal!
How do you get your head out of a dark, scary place?
Seriously, how does your creative work offer help, value, or meet a need for others?
Thank you for rolling up your sleeves 💝 And for clicking the heart, 🙏🏼💗🙌🏽 leaving a comment, or sharing this with someone who could use a boost. You just helped more brave souls like us create our best work with less fear.
More to come,
Dancing With Death: a super-friendly, highly relatable first post.
Youth Suicide is an epidemic. Know a young person who may be struggling?
Meet Your Monkeys reveals the science behind persistent thoughts, shame, trauma, and self-compassion. 3.0 in the works 🙌🏼
Need a good cry? Watch this clip from Good Will Hunting.
A heartfelt, truthful and charming post. I 'feel' it. Christine. What a wonderful and thought provoking artist you are:-)
I appreciate how you weave humor and honesty into your posts and video practices. It's so important to lighten up while at the same time doing deep work.