Mental Blocks
What do you write about when you have writer's block? One writes about the writer's block as it relates to life because we all experience mental blocks of some kind in our lives. What is a mental block? Just for fun we are going to look at the basic building blocks of life to help us look at mental blocks. Sounds strange and hopefully the purpose will make sense.
Six main elements are fundamental building blocks of life. From most common to least common: hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur. Carbon is the element that is considered the basis of life. These elements combine with others elements on the periodic table to create the structures that we know today. There are so many combinations, and depending on your perspective, this process seems like a creative process as well. Yes, there are certain laws of physics and chemistry that we have learned about elements and molecular structures that help us understand the process.
Now back to mental blocks. Mental blocks can be the opposite of fun, especially when we are trying to accomplish something in our personal or professional life. They may seem insurmountable. They may seem stubborn. They may seem to be pushing back. This list can go on and on. Instead of fighting back against mental blocks, what if we looked at them as information and potential building blocks that create something entirely new.
How are mental blocks information?
The mental block is there for a reason. It is telling us something that we need to pay attention to. Oftentimes we spend energy fighting the mental block, give up, or skip the opportunity to explore why it exists. There can be many different pieces or combinations underlying mental blocks like fear, apathy, lack of inspiration, etc. Understanding these reasons not only allows us to understand ourselves better, but it also allows us to address some of these pieces that are asking for attention. Take lack of inspiration as an example. It may mean that is not where our heart or mind is at that moment. It may mean we need a break or we may need to rethink our project or approach. It could even mean that we said yes to something we may have needed to say no to.
How do mental blocks allow us to create something new?
We are asked to potentially come up with a different approach, process, or product by asking us to work differently. We may not have access to our same old approach, process, or product. In this process we also learn what we are capable of and that other possibilities exist. If we continually focus on our current and habitual ways of doing and being we miss opportunities. Those missed opportunities may turn out to be even better, but they would have not happened if not given the opportunity.
Now coming back to our fundamental building blocks of life. These fundamental building blocks come together to create life as we know it. Where would we be without these building blocks? So here we come back to our mental blocks. Where would we be without mental blocks? Mental blocks provide insight into ourselves, new information, and allow us to break out of habitual patterns. So instead of fighting and dreading mental blocks, embrace the mental blocks and use them to build your unique story.
Brick wall with a blue square painted on it.
Take Action Today Moment:
Next time you face a mental block, instead of fighting the block, use it as a learning opportunity and befriend the block. Sounds strange to say that. However, when you embrace and take advantage of the opportunity, you will find something shifts. You will no longer be wasting energy fighting the mental block. Instead your mental block will become a source of inspiration and energy!