It all started a while back in a session where “Stephanie” noticed and paid attention to “the slowest, tiniest movements ever” and the very small shifts that were happening inside her. Those micro movements, which could have felt like “not very much,” actually created space for a profoundly positive change in her life.
Small changes are easier for the body to receive. They’re more likely to be integrated fully and smoothly.
In our fast-paced world, the desire for quick fixes is common. We seek rapid growth, hoping for instant transformation through peak experiences and “trying harder.” I know I’ve felt this urgency to “hurry up and heal” and feeling like I should be further along.
The problem with big changes is that even if they’re “good,” they have a hard time sticking. Somewhere the body says, “Whoa! Hang on a minute. Last time there was a big change things didn’t work out so well. We can’t do that again.”
This resistance where one part says GO and another part says NO is a natural protective mechanism, signaling that we need to approach change more slowly.
(How are those New Year’s resolutions, by the way? 😉 )
When you make frequent, small shifts, the survival part of the brain stays quiet and willing to listen to the thinking part of brain. We are less likely to trigger a defensive response and can easily integrate the new information. Think of it like eating a bunch of grapes over the course of the day vs. sitting down to eat a whole watermelon. Which one would keep your tummy happier?
I relate to “I want change to happen now.” I also know in my bones that small changes practiced over time yield far greater results. Constantly pushing our systems beyond capacity damages self-trust and shuts us down.
Allowing our systems time and space to recognize that these changes are safe builds trust in ourselves. We demonstrate that we can handle the new without reigniting past fears.
As you move forward, I invite you to embrace the value of slowing down, and recognizing the power of incremental progress. It’s a strategy that not only respects our natural healing processes but also empowers us to make sustainable changes that can profoundly impact our lives. It’s practical, real-world transformation, one small step at a time.
