How to Break Free from Brainsplaining: Unleash Your Heart's Wisdom
Sep 09, 2023Embrace the Power of Presence, Mindfulness, HeartSet, and Self-Compassion
Welcome, dear readers, to an exploration of the intricate dance between our heart and mind. Today, we delve into a concept that was recently presented by Opra in a group coaching session, and has since been making waves in the world of personal development: "brainsplaining." It's a term that encapsulates those relentless “logical” thoughts that hijack our minds and our speech, as we explain (or as we try to “process out loud”) over and over, as to WHY or HOW we are we are we are, why we want what we want, etc. Brainsplaining keeps us in “mindset” rather than “HeartSet” and prevents us from connecting with our body-based intuition, being present in the moment, and living from the heart.
The Intricacies of Brainsplaining
Imagine this scenario: You're sitting by the window, gazing at a breathtaking sunset, savoring the simple beauty of the moment. However, your mind has other plans. It's churning with thoughts of past regrets, future worries, or an unending loop of self-doubt. Or it imagines (or even conducts out loud) a conversation where the brain attempts to finally and adequately explain, process, defend, strategize, analyze, etc. This is the essence of "brainsplaining" – when your mind becomes the driver, assumes it knows the only answers to any internal question, steering you away from your authentic self.
Brainsplaining, much like its counterpart mansplaining, involves an individual asserting authority or superiority based on their self-perceived expertise, often at the expense of others' beliefs, experiences and values. However, the key difference is that brainsplaining focuses on intellectual or knowledge-based domains rather than gender. It occurs when someone, regardless of their gender, assumes a patronizing or condescending demeanor when explaining a concept or idea, dismissing the input or understanding of others. In this case, the "other" that is being minimized is your own heart, your intuition, your inner knowing.
Brainsplaining reflects a broader issue of individuals using an intellectual process to undermine or diminish the contributions and insights of themselves or others in various discussions or contexts. In both cases, the remedy lies in releasing the circular thought process, and breathing into the body, fostering intuition, inner guidance, heart-based knowing, and emotions.
While the term "brainsplaining" might not be as ubiquitous as "mindfulness" or "meditation," it strikes a chord with anyone who's ever felt trapped in their own thoughts or circuitous behavior. It's not just about unwanted thoughts; it's about those habits of thought that take you away from your heart and obstructs your true wisdom and intuition.
Unplugging from the Thought Matrix
The good news is, we can break free from the clutches of brainsplaining. Just as we have the power to pause an undesirable song, we can silence these repetitive, unhelpful thoughts and tune in to the symphony of our hearts.
The first step is awareness. Recognizing when you're caught in a loop of brainsplaining is the key to reclaiming your peace and intuition. When you find your mind running amok with thoughts, gently guide it back to the present moment.
Meditation: A Path to Inner Calm
One potent tool for battling brainsplaining is meditation. Regular meditation practices empower you to gain mastery in releasing, or at least observing your thoughts and to create space for your heart's wisdom to shine through. In the stillness of meditation, you can reconnect with your inner self.
Moreover, practicing self-compassion is a powerful way to liberate yourself. Instead of self-criticism for having unhelpful thoughts, treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Remember, you're human, and thoughts are just thoughts – they don't define you.
The Magic of Mindfulness
To truly live from the heart, we must embrace the magic of mindfulness. Becasue brainsplaining can be a very practiced behavior, it can feel familiar and therefore comfortable. When mindfulness brings awareness of what we are actually thinking and saying, we can then invite HeartSet. Being fully present in the moment, experiencing life without the constant mind chatter, is where the transformation unfolds. It's where we can hear the gentle whispers of our intuition and make choices aligned with our deepest desires.
So, the next time you find yourself ensnared in the web of brainsplaining, pause, take a deep breath, and reconnect with your heart's guidance. The more you practice this, the less power those unwanted thoughts will hold over you.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, brainsplaining might be a newly coined term, but it's an experience we've all known. It's those moments when our minds wrest control from our inner harmony, preventing us from being present, authentic, and true to ourselves.
But you have the power to reclaim your life from the grip of brainsplaining. Through awareness, meditation, self-compassion, mindfulness, and HeartSet, you can find your way back to living in harmony with your heart and mind.
Remember, you are the conductor of your life's orchestra, and your heart is the guiding melody. Embrace the symphony within, let your heart lead, and savor the beauty of the present moment. Life is meant to be lived from the heart, and you have the power to make it so.
Thank you for joining us on this journey of self-discovery and empowerment. If you found this article valuable, please share it with friends and family. Together, let's unlock the magic of living in harmony with our hearts and minds. Until next time, stay heart-centered and keep thriving.