Alignment

Part One of a series about connecting our head knowledge with our heart knowledge

Ever since I read Colby Martin’s important book, “Unclobber,” I’ve been thinking about the idea of alignment.  Martin wrote about how his belief system, specifically about homosexuality, did not align with the views and message of his church.  And it wasn’t until he made significant changes in his ministry that he felt his beliefs were congruent with his work.

A lot of us struggle with alignment, but often it's an internal issue where our head knowledge is out of agreement with our heart knowledge.  For instance, we might know that we’re a good person with value and worth, but our self-doubt and shame, which lives in our heart, conflict.

Have you ever driven a car that was out of alignment?  It pulls to the right or left, is hard to steer, and does long-term damage to the vehicle.  While alignment plays a crucial role in the smooth functioning of our cars, those concepts can be applied to our mental well-being. And just like a misaligned car, when we are out of alignment, we encounter challenges that hinder our ability to navigate our path, feel in control, and protect our inner selves.

Just as a misaligned car pulls to the right or left, being out of alignment in life can make it challenging to stay on the right track. When our thoughts, emotions, and actions are not in harmony with our values and goals, we may feel lost, disconnected, or uncertain about our path. The misalignment in our minds can create confusion and make it difficult to make decisions or take decisive actions. Much like a misaligned car requires constant steering adjustments to stay on course, we may struggle to find our direction and maintain focus mentally when we are out of alignment.

Photo by Robert Bye on Unsplash

When a car is misaligned, it becomes harder to steer and control its movements. Similarly, being out of alignment with our mental and emotional states can lead to a sense of powerlessness and lack of control. We may find ourselves being reactive rather than proactive, constantly tossed around by external circumstances, and needing help to assert our agency. Being at the mercy of life's challenges can be overwhelming. It can contribute to increased stress, anxiety, and diminished self-confidence. In contrast, when we align with our values, passions, and purpose, we gain stronger control over our lives, allowing us to steer ourselves toward our desired destination with confidence and resilience.

Just as driving a misaligned car for an extended period can cause damage to its components, being consistently out of alignment can harm our mental and emotional well-being. Ignoring our inner needs, values, and desires can lead to feelings of emptiness, dissatisfaction, and a loss of connection to our authentic selves. Over time, this misalignment can erode our sense of purpose, fulfillment, and overall happiness. Just as regular maintenance is necessary for our vehicles, it is vital to invest in self-care, self-reflection, and personal growth to ensure our souls remain aligned with our true selves. Doing so can nurture our mental health, prevent long-term damage, and cultivate a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Photo by Mohamed Nohassi on Unsplash

In the journey of life, maintaining alignment in our mental and emotional states is crucial for our well-being. As with a car, misalignment in our thoughts, emotions, and actions can make it challenging to follow our desired path, maintain control, and protect our inner selves. By recognizing the significance of alignment and actively working towards it, we empower ourselves to navigate life's challenges more effectively, foster personal growth, and experience greater harmony and fulfillment in our mental health journey.

Next week, we’ll focus on aligning ourselves more congruently in heart and head knowledge.  (Who doesn’t love a good cliffhanger, right?!)

This content is for educational and entertainment purposes and is not the same as therapy. If you need to talk to someone, go to BetterHelp.com or PsychologyToday.com and start treatment with a professional today!

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