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It’s a strange thing when you go from being deeply busy, projects lined up, ideas bubbling, plans and deadlines pulling you forward to absolutely nothing. No project. No pull. Just space. That’s where I found myself today. I had been pushing hard, holding tight to the pressure of 'I need to build something next.' A sound bath, a workshop, a new painting.. something. But the truth is, all that pushing started to feel like dragging my heels through sand. And then… I just dropped it. I let the pressure go. Not because I was giving up, but because something in me whispered: ---You don’t need to force it right now. What happened next surprised me. The resistance I’d been butting heads with quietly dissolved. Gone. No fireworks. No big shift. Just a deep breath and a subtle lightness. I realized resistance feeds on our need to control, to push, to over-manage our creative cycles. When I stopped doing that, it had nothing left to hold onto. The space I’m in now doesn’t feel like emptiness. It feels like openness. I finally unclenched my hand. A soft pause before the next inhale. I share this because maybe you’re in a similar spot. Maybe you’re used to producing, building, planning and suddenly there’s no next project tugging at your sleeve. It can feel disorienting. But here’s what I’m remembering (and maybe you need to hear too): As they say, creative pauses are a source of inspiration. They’re not empty. They’re ready. If you’re in a space like this, you don’t have to rush to fill it. You can sit in it like a quiet sound bath, spacious, gentle, patient. The next thing will emerge. And it won’t have claw marks from you dragging it into existence. It will rise because the space invited it. For now, I’m holding onto a simple phrase that anchors me: 'I’m not empty. I’m open.' And I trust that’s enough as I am loving this new feeling! 
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Awakening is the process of shedding outdated patterns, limiting beliefs, and unresolved traumas that no longer serve our growth. It involves confronting the shadow self, acknowledging past wounds, and releasing emotional baggage that hinders our ability to live authentically. Though often uncomfortable, this deep inner work is important for transformation and personal evolution. Through healing, we open ourselves to new possibilities and expand into a higher state of consciousness and self-awareness.
Awakening also invites us to live in alignment with our core values and inner truth. It calls for authenticity, integrity, and the courage to make choices that reflect our true selves even when faced with external pressure or fear. This path may challenge our comfort zones but empowers us to reclaim our voice, stand in our sovereignty, and design a life in purpose and alignment with our highest potential. Above all, awakening is a continual journey, not a final destination. It demands ongoing self-awareness, courage, and devotion to personal truth. Setbacks and doubts may arise, but we grow a life of deep fulfillment, clarity, and meaning with dedication to growth, love, and authenticity. The Johari Window is a tool that can help you understand yourself better by shining a light on both what you know about yourself and what others see in you. It's a simple yet powerful way to build self-awareness and improve your relationships with others. I love using the Johari window in my sessions/workshops. I love this technique, and I used it on myself and in practice. The Johari Window is divided into four areas: the open self, which includes everything you know about yourself and others know too, the blind spot, which includes things others see in you that you're unaware of, the hidden self, where you keep private information about yourself, and the unknown self, which has aspects of you that neither you nor others are aware of yet. To use the Johari Window to make the unconscious conscious, start by exploring your "open self." This is the part of you that's visible to both yourself and others. The more you understand your strengths and areas for growth here, the better you'll be at navigating relationships and challenges. Ask your friends, family, or colleagues what they like or notice about you to gain a clearer picture of your traits. This feedback helps you recognize the strengths you may take for granted and notice areas where you could improve. Next, focus on your "blind spot" – things others see in you that you might not be aware of. This could be certain behaviours, habits, or even unconscious biases. Getting feedback from people you trust can help you become aware of these blind spots. For example, you might discover a tone of voice or mannerism you use that others find off-putting without even realizing it. While understanding and working on your blind spots, you can improve how you relate to others and become more mindful of your actions. The "hidden self" is where you store personal secrets, fears, or vulnerabilities that you keep from others. It's important to explore this area with care, perhaps through journaling or therapy, to see what's hidden beneath the surface. Opening up to trusted friends or a coach can help you uncover what you've been keeping secret. Finally, the "unknown self" is the most mysterious part of the window—these are things about you that neither you nor others know. By engaging in activities like mindfulness, meditation, or even breathwork/toning, you may discover untapped potential or repressed emotions that can help you grow and move forward in life.  As we say in Swedish: Liten men naggande god blog. The "Let Them" theory is all about letting go of control and focusing on your own energy. Instead of stressing over what other people do--whether they leave, don't support you, misunderstand you, or act in ways you don't like-you just let them. Let them make their choices, let them show you who they are, and instead of chasing, convincing, or over-explaining, you focus on yourself. It's a way to protect your peace and stop wasting energy on things outside your control. If someone doesn't invite you, let them. If someone doesn't appreciate you, let them. The right people, the right opportunities, and the right situations will naturally align with you. It's not about being passive; it's about realizing that your power lies in your response, not in forcing things to go your way.  I've always felt that it's important to feel your feelings and not try to avoid them. When I'm sad, I go deep—and sit with my sadness. Then I'll cry for as long as I need to until I fully surrender to the present. Then I know I have done an excellent cleansing! You let everything out, and you feel much lighter afterward. It brings peace that can only come from having taken the time to face your emotions head-on. After the tears, though, come steady joy and enthusiasm for the day ahead. It's like a constant cycle: you cleanse yourself of negative energy by facing up to your feelings, then fill yourself up again with positive energy by being openhearted and excited about your life. The key is getting into a regular practice so that it becomes automatic: when something happens that causes you distress or sadness, rather than avoiding it or trying to push it away (which makes matters worse), you instead allow yourself to feel whatever comes up—and then let go of those feelings by releasing them through tears or laughter, physical activity or just shaking it off your energy field.  Change is a natural part of life, and people change for many reasons. Sometimes, change is forced upon us by circumstances, while other times, we actively seek it out to improve our lives. Understanding why we make changes can help us become more intentional in our decisions. Whether adopting a healthier lifestyle, switching careers, or improving relationships, knowing what motivates us can make the process smoother and more sustainable. Motivation plays a huge role in change. Some people are driven by external rewards, like success, recognition, or financial gain, while others are motivated by internal desires, such as personal growth, helping others, happiness, or a sense of purpose. When you identify what truly drives you, it becomes easier to stay committed to your goals. Instead of relying on short-term willpower, you can create lasting habits that align with what matters most to you. To better understand your own motivations, take a moment to list the things that inspire you to make changes in your life. Some common motivations include having fun, building strong relationships, gaining popularity, achieving personal success, improving health, or feeling more fulfilled. By ranking these in order of importance, you gain insight into what will keep you committed when challenges arise. Knowing your personal priorities helps you create meaningful goals that feel rewarding rather than burdensome. Ultimately, making conscious choices about change allows you to take control of your life rather than reacting to circumstances. By identifying and prioritizing your motivations, you set yourself up for long-term success. Whether working on small daily improvements or making major life transitions, understanding what truly drives you will make the journey more fulfilling and sustainable.  When I moved to my new house in 2018, something inside me clicked. The change in environment was exactly what I needed. It's like a switch was flipped, and I found myself painting like a mad woman. The creative energy just flooded out of me, and I couldn't stop. It was as though all the ideas and inspiration that had been waiting in the wings finally had the space to breathe. Before making this leap, I spent about six months studying and preparing myself. I wanted to feel confident in my craft and truly understand what it means to start painting and living an artist's life (including my day job ;). That time of learning was essential, but it was only after I took the plunge that I really found my rhythm. And since then, I've fallen in love with the process. I also have a background in Fine Arts— I took a year of studies at university eons ago, which planted the seeds for my creative journey. Though it feels like a lifetime ago, those classes shaped somewhat (or not at all) the way I approach art today. Being an artist isn't just about painting—it's about expressing myself, exploring new ideas, and experiencing the world through my art. I feel more connected to who I am than ever and the magic I always crave in life. Sometimes, we hold onto emotions like anger, sadness, or frustration without even realizing it. Life throws all sorts of challenges at us, and it's natural to feel heavy emotions. But when we don't take the time to release them, they end up lingering, quietly building up inside until they start affecting us in ways we don't always see. Releasing this energy is less about forgetting what happened and more about clearing out the old to make space for something new and healing. Something new and fresh—out with the old, in with the new. One of the simplest ways to start letting go is to be honest with yourself about what you're feeling. Rather than pushing feelings aside or pretending they're not there, just sit with them for a minute. You don't have to fix everything all at once; just acknowledging that you're carrying anger or grief can start to lighten the load. Another way to release those feelings is to get them out of your head and body. Maybe that means writing down what you're feeling, letting the words flow onto the page without judgment. Or maybe it's talking to someone you trust—a friend or even a counsellor—so you can feel heard. Sometimes, we find ourselves bottling things up, but talking about it can be very freeing. Moving your body can also help you let go of stuck energy. Our bodies hold onto tension, so doing something physical—dancing, stretching, or walking in nature (of course)—can help you release what you don't need. Let your body work with you to shake off what's weighing you down. After you've created space by releasing some of those heavy feelings, take a moment to think about what kind of energy you want to bring into your life. Surround yourself with things, people, and activities that make you feel good, grounded, and open to new possibilities. It's an ongoing process of letting go and inviting new energy, one that can bring a sense of lightness and possibility back into your life. Point Break, my favourite movie, and one of its greatest scenes: It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking we have unlimited time to chase our dreams. We often convince ourselves that tomorrow will be just as good as today—or even better. However, the truth is that time is not infinite, and each moment is a valuable opportunity that we shouldn't take for granted. Many of us delay pursuing our passions, waiting for the perfect moment or circumstances. We think we can press the snooze button on our ambitions and come back to them later. But this mindset can lead to missed opportunities and regrets. Life is unpredictable, and we can't always control when chances will arise. To break free from procrastination and complacency, it's important to include a sense of urgency in our lives. Remember, the best time to start pursuing your dreams is right now. Don't wait for the perfect moment, because it may never come. Embrace a sense of urgency, and take charge of your life. So, let go of hesitation and press "play" on your dreams. The time is now—do it! You can do it.  Self-awareness is like having a secret superpower. It gives you the ability to stop overanalyzing every little thing that happens in your life. You don’t have to beat yourself up after a tough conversation or feel guilty about what you said. Instead, you can learn to let it go and move on. How many times have you replayed an awkward conversation in your head, picking apart every word and facial expression, wondering if you could’ve said something differently or acted better? The spiral of self-doubt can lead to feelings of guilt and regret. But with self-awareness, you can free yourself from this ongoing cycle.
Being self-aware isn’t about being perfect or never making mistakes. It’s about understanding how you think, feel, and act without constantly judging yourself. You notice when something doesn’t go quite right, but you don’t dwell on it or pick it apart. When you’re self-aware, you trust yourself more. You know that one awkward conversation or bad moment doesn’t define you. You stop feeling like you need to go over everything in your head, figuring out what you could’ve done better, because you get that not everything needs fixing or dissecting. A lot of us feel guilty after having a difficult conversation, especially if it didn’t go exactly as planned. But self-awareness helps you step back and ask yourself: “Did I mean to hurt anyone? Was I being honest and true to myself? Is this really something to feel guilty about?” Often, the guilt we feel is unnecessary and comes from overthinking. With self-awareness, you learn to see the situation for what it is, accept it, and let go. You stop punishing yourself for every little thing and instead focus on the bigger picture: you’re doing your best, and that’s enough. One of the biggest benefits of self-awareness is the ability to let things go. You’re not avoiding problems; you’re just choosing not to hold on to things that don’t need to weigh you down. You trust that you did your best, that you’ll learn from the experience, and that things will work out. When you let go, you’re not stuck in that cycle of replaying conversations or thinking about what you should’ve said or done. The more self-aware you become, the less you overthink. You stop stressing about every little detail and start to feel more confident in how you handle situations. You realize that not everything needs to be perfect and that you don’t have to have all the answers. You’ll still have tough conversations from time to time, but you’ll learn to reflect without getting stuck. You’ll know when it’s time to move on without carrying around unnecessary guilt or stress. Generational trauma, also known as intergenerational trauma, is a concept where the emotional wounds of one generation can be passed down to the next through behaviours, patterns, and even DNA. When we talk about trauma being passed on genetically, it refers to how stress or trauma experienced by parents can cause changes in their DNA, which might affect their children and grandchildren. This means that the trauma your grandparents experienced could influence how you respond to stress today. It's like your body has a memory of the trauma, even if you didn't experience it yourself. However, it's important to note that while trauma can be passed down, healing can also occur and be passed to future generations. To fight generational trauma, awareness and therapeutic practices are important. Understanding this, can empower individuals to break cycles of trauma through therapy, mindfulness, and other healing practices. This understanding is important because it allows for both compassion and proactive healing, ensuring that negative cycles can be interrupted and new, positive ones created.  For plus 20 years, I’ve been practicing the Sedona Method and incorporating surrendering techniques into my daily life. These practices have profoundly shaped who I am today, giving me a constant sense of peace and clarity. The Sedona Method, with its simple yet powerful approach to letting go, has become more than just a technique for me—it's a way of life. By consistently surrendering my worries, fears, and attachments, I've cultivated an inner calm that remains steady regardless of external circumstances. One of the most significant impacts of these practices is how they’ve altered my perception of others’ opinions. There was a time when I would get caught up in what others thought about my choices or my life path. Now, I find that these thoughts rarely disturb my peace. The practice of surrender has taught me that other people’s views are just that—their views, not truths that I need to hold onto. This shift has given me the freedom to live authentically, in alignment with my values and beliefs, rather than being swayed by external judgments. This journey of surrender and letting go has been transformative, providing me with tools to navigate life in a simple and easy way. It’s not that challenges don’t arise; they do, as they do for everyone. But my approach to them has changed. Instead of resisting or getting overwhelmed, I lean into the practice, allowing myself to release what no longer serves me. This ongoing commitment to surrender has allowed me to maintain a steady sense of peace, regardless of life’s ups and downs, and for that, I am deeply grateful.  Life is full of choices, and often, the most meaningful decisions are the hardest to make. There will always be reasons not to pursue something, especially when it involves stepping out of your comfort zone or facing significant challenges. These reasons might seem logical or even necessary at the time, but they often serve as barriers to personal growth and achievement. The truth is, anything worth doing comes with its own set of obstacles, and it's easy to find excuses to avoid taking action. However, when we look back at our lives, it's not the moments where we avoided difficulty that stand out, but those where we faced it head-on. Overcoming challenges gives us a sense of accomplishment and helps build resilience. These are the moments that shape our character and define our journey. Whether it's starting a new project, pursuing a passion, or making a significant life change, the satisfaction we feel from overcoming obstacles far outweighs the comfort of staying within our limits. At the end of the day, action is a choice. It's the choice to focus on the reasons for doing something rather than avoiding it. While it's natural to have doubts and fears, the decision to move forward despite them is what makes all the difference. By choosing to act, we open ourselves up to new opportunities and affirm our commitment to growth and self-improvement. In the end, it's these choices that lead to a life of fulfillment and purpose.  Just like planning another road trip, finding self-acceptance and self-love starts with setting intentions and charting your course. Take time to reflect on your values, desires, and aspirations. Consider where you want to go and what you must do to get there. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination, so be patient and kind to yourself along the way. Life's road trip is full of unexpected detours, and the road to self-acceptance and self-love is no exception. Welcome the detours as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Sometimes, the most scenic routes are the ones we stumble upon unexpectedly. Be open to new experiences, perspectives, and possibilities, even if they take you off the beaten path. While living life with struggles and challenges, remember to pause and appreciate the beauty around you. Finding self-acceptance and self-love means welcoming your strengths, quirks, and imperfections. Take time to celebrate your accomplishments, big and small, and acknowledge the progress you've made along the way. Remember, self-love is a journey, not a destination, so enjoy the scenery as you go. Just as road trips are more enjoyable with trusted travel companions, the journey to self-acceptance and self-love is easier with support from friends, family, and mentors. Surround yourself with people who uplift and empower you, and don't be afraid to ask for help when needed. Together, you can navigate life's road trip with courage, resilience, and compassion. Even the most exciting road trips need rest stops and refuelling breaks. Similarly, finding self-acceptance and self-love requires self-care and nourishment. Take time to recharge your batteries, both physically and emotionally. Prioritize activities that bring you joy, peace, and fulfillment, whether spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness, or indulging in your favourite hobbies.  In our busy world, we often have to push and strive to reach our goals. While ambition and hard work are important, another path can lead us to our desires without the constant struggle: the path of non-resistance. This means going with the flow of life and trusting the process instead of trying to control everything. Doing this allows us to reach our goals more easily and feel more at peace.
Non-resistance doesn't mean doing nothing. It's about being open and present without the stress of trying to force things to happen. When we stop fighting against the natural flow of life, we make space for good things to come to us. It's about setting our intentions clearly and then letting go, allowing things to unfold in their own time. This way, we can harness the power of intention and alignment instead of sheer force. Living with a non-resistant mindset requires trust and surrendering. It means believing life will work out, even if we can't see how right now. Practices like meditation, sound therapy, mindfulness, and positive affirmations can help us stay connected to the present moment and our inner selves. These practices keep us calm and clear-headed, making it easier to notice and take advantage of opportunities when they come. This relaxed state of mind reduces stress and helps us attract positive outcomes. The benefits of non-resistance are significant. When we're not wasting energy resisting and trying to control everything, we can focus on what matters. This shift lets us enjoy life more and stay open to unexpected opportunities. By embracing non-resistance, we invite ease and flow into our lives, making room for success and happiness to come to us in ways we might not have imagined. Letting go, surrendering and trusting life's natural rhythms allows things to flow towards us effortlessly. |
Annica JohanssonMy name is Annica Johansson and I am an Artist, Life Coach and a Sound Healing Therapist. I am writing about personal development, daily musings, spirituality and depicting mother nature's amazing beauty. Welcome! Categories
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