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Stagnation is an all-too-familiar feeling that many of us experience at some point in our lives. Whether it’s in our careers, personal relationships, or even our personal growth, the sense of being stuck can be both frustrating, discouraging and even sometimes makes us doubt our own abilities.
We long for progress, change, and new opportunities, but sometimes it seems that life has come to a standstill. I personally went through a period of stagnation a few months ago. Have you ever taken action after action, tirelessly working towards your goals, only to find that the desired results don’t materialize? That was me after I moved to Ontario. I was completely focused on supporting my kids through the transition and growing my business. I was constantly doing something—taking care of the kids, cooking, renovating, creating content, working with clients and coaches—the list goes on. But no matter how much I did, it seemed insufficient. I wasn’t achieving the success I needed in my business to support my family and meet my financial obligations. I was constantly exhausted, frustrated, and on the verge of panic.
Despite receiving messages in my dreams, urging me to slow down, rest, and do something for myself unrelated to home, kids, or coaching, I didn’t listen. I was all into Masculine energy and very little into Feminine, I was off balance. The Universe then had to intervene more directly. Can you imagine what happened? Let me share with you. Overtime, my lower back and glute muscles became so tight that routine movements like going up and down the stairs, bending, or getting in the car became excruciatingly painful. Eventually, the pain became unbearable, and I found myself paralyzed and crying in agony. Because I ignored the original signs, the Universe had to send me a message that was impossible to ignore—through my glutes, quite literally.
Witnessing the panic on my children’s faces as they observed my situation served as a powerful wake-up call, prompting me to pause, reflect, and reconsider my path. This unexpected pause, akin to the beauty of Stagnation, offered me a precious opportunity to observe my life with an open heart, identify what wasn’t functioning optimally, and tap into my inner wisdom and intuition to make necessary adjustments, to course-correct. However, before delving into this introspective journey, I knew I had to prioritize a visit to the chiropractor.
“Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional” -Tara Brach
After experiencing stagnation personally, I would like to share with you practices that will help you discover the inner resilience necessary to overcome it.
- Acknowledge that Stagnation is there and that it’s OK: The first step towards overcoming stagnation is acknowledging its presence without judgment, with a compassionate heart. It’s essential to confront the feeling head-on rather than ignoring or suppressing it. Recognize that feeling stagnant is a normal part of life, and it’s okay to experience it and to struggle. By acknowledging your current situation, you gain a deeper understanding of your emotions and can begin to explore the reasons behind your stagnation.
- Reflect on the Root Causes: Stagnation often has underlying causes that need to be addressed. Take some time for self-reflection and introspection. Ask yourself soul-led questions to gain insights into what might be holding you back. Sit down to connect to your Soul and ask: Am I trapped in my comfort zone and afraid to get out of it? What are the limiting beliefs that hinder my progress? Am I lacking motivation or direction? Doing this will help you identify the root causes and will help you develop a plan of action to overcome them.
- Embrace Change and Set New Goals: Stagnation can arise when we resist change or become complacent with our current circumstances. Accepting and welcoming change is crucial for growth and progress. Start by setting new goals that align with your passions, values, and aspirations. These goals should challenge you to step outside your comfort zone and push your boundaries but at the same time, they shouldn’t be so overwhelming to the point of freezing you. A good idea is to break them down into smaller, actionable steps to make them more manageable and attainable.
- Seek Knowledge and Skill Development: Stagnation can often be overcome through continuous learning and skill development. Consider what knowledge or skills are relevant to your desired path of progress. Look for opportunities to acquire new knowledge, whether it’s through formal education, online courses, books, or workshops. Developing new skills not only enhances your confidence but also opens doors to new opportunities and perspectives.
- Cultivate a Growth Mindset: A growth mindset is essential when facing stagnation. Believe in your ability to learn, adapt, and evolve. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and view setbacks as valuable lessons. Replace self-limiting thoughts with positive affirmations and visualize yourself succeeding in your endeavors. Surround yourself with supportive and like-minded individuals who inspire and motivate you.
- Take Action and Embrace Patience: Stagnation can often paralyze us, preventing us from taking action. Break free from this inertia by taking small steps towards your goals. Even the tiniest action can create momentum and propel you forward. Be patient with yourself and the process. Change takes time, and progress may not always be linear. Celebrate small victories along the way, as they will keep you motivated during times of stagnation.
- Practice Self-Care and Mindfulness: When feeling stagnant, it’s crucial to prioritize self-care and mindfulness. Engage in activities that rejuvenate and nourish your mind, body, and soul. Exercise regularly, get enough sleep, eat healthily, and make time for hobbies and interests that bring you joy. Additionally, incorporate mindfulness practices such as meditation or journaling into your routine. These practices can help you gain clarity, reduce stress, and cultivate a positive mindset.
Stagnation is a temporary phase that can be overcome with the right mindset and actions. Rather than succumbing to its heaviness, embrace it as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. By acknowledging the stagnation, reflecting on its root causes, setting new goals, seeking knowledge, cultivating a growth mindset, taking action, and practicing self-care, you can find the inner medicine needed to navigate through it. Remember, progress may be slow at times, but with patience and and soul-full perseverance, you will break free from stagnation and embark on a path of growth and fulfillment.
Remember you’re MAGIC!
Laura
