Embracing negative thoughts and emotions is part of your combat. It is all about being anchored, willing and trained.
Like Jiu-Jitsu Brazilian martial art, which is based on the cededing and redirecting of force, the psychological jiu-jitsu allows us to adapt and prosper in times of turbulence, in this emotional case, rather than resisting or avoiding thoughts and emotions difficult.
As Psychologist Ross G. White explains, the psychological flexibility From this martial art of mind involves the ability to remain anchored, willing and able to confront negative emotions such as fear, anxiety and frustration. But just like jiu-jitsu, you need to learn this art.
In Brazilian martial art, practitioners learn to use the opponent’s impetus for their benefit. The same happens in the psychological jiu-jitsu, which teaches us to take advantage of the emotional energy evoked by stressful situations, instead of letting ourselves be dominated by them.
Psychological flexibility is not just an abstract concept; It is measurable. Investigations show that low levels of psychological flexibility are associated with worse quality of life, particularly in individuals facing health challenges, mental health problems or highly stressful work environments.
Many of us believe that we are flexible in the way we respond to the ups and downs of life, but in reality, Stiffness is the norm. People are often trapped in routines that do not believe to be productive, all often to avoid discomfort or resist the danger presented by new and emotional experiences.
On the other hand, developing a flexible mind means adapting their behaviors and habits to the challenges that present themselves rather than blindly routines that no longer serve their goal.
The key to the development of psychological flexibility is encapsulated in AWE structure: Anchored, Willing, and Empowered, (anchored, arranged and trained) explains the psychologist in.
Be “anchored”It means staying linked to the present, understanding that thoughts and emotions are temporary; be “disposed” involves accepting and getting involved in difficult emotions instead of avoiding them and be “trained” It means acting according to your values and goals, despite the challenges.
By cultivating AWE, we can learn to embrace life’s difficulties as growth opportunities rather than obstacles to avoid. The techniques of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can help us reinforce these qualities, leading to more resilient and adaptable responses to the unpredictability of life.
