Among the many expectations that come with adulthood is the idea of self-sufficiency. By definition, self-sufficiency entails the self being enough to fulfill needs; needing no outside help in satisfying one’s basic needs. It amounts to a certain level of freedom saved for those ready to be emotionally and intellectually independent and can lead to immense happiness, pride, and inner peace; however, becoming emotionally self-reliant does not place a taboo around seeking help when necessary. Instead, we are firm believers that knowing when to ask for help is a key component to being self-sufficient and avoiding eventual codependency.
As with most things, the journey to self-sufficiency is not a straight and narrow path. It can be developed and lost time and again during different stages in life such as the onset of a new relationship or a change in living situations. Whether you are looking to avoid codependency by prioritizing emotional independence in marriage or establishing emotional independence from parents, our founder and certified High Performance Coach, Hanna Gedy, simplifies the process in four manageable – and life changing – steps.
Step 1: Setting a Daily Structure/Routine
It is no coincidence that many of the most successful athletes, performers, and entrepreneurs suggest implementing a structured daily routine.
In the world of internet connection and social media, we are constantly surrounded by endless temptation, distraction, and stimulation; making it abundantly easy for our minds to wander while thoughts come and go and new ideas are perpetuated through our minds. While this reality allows for sparked creativity and collaboration, it can also lead to overwhelm and brain fog. To avoid this, Hanna emphasizes the need for a daily structure to increase focus as well as aid in time management and prioritization.
Step 2: Daily Meditation
Chances are, you’re already familiar with meditation or have heard the term before. It is a practice in which an individual uses a technique such as mindfulness or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to train attention and awareness as a means to achieve mental clarity and emotional grounding. Meditation is a crucial step toward discovering how to become emotionally self-sufficient; helping you to ground yourself within your body to focus on the present moment and being with ‘what IS’ – whether emotionally or physically – while closely observing your breath.
A common misconception is that meditation requires an extensive set-up, perfect practice, and above all – a major time commitment; however, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Hanna suggests starting with just a few minutes a day to slow down and take a moment to be with ‘what is’ – eventually developing into a worthwhile daily practice.
Step 3: Intention Setting
To offer clear direction and further motivation, Hanna recommends intention setting. She says, “It gives me a focus line with clear marks. A direction in which I’m heading so when my thoughts come and go as they please, I don’t hold on to them but rather stay in flow and remain in alignment.”
In her personal practice, Hanna uses the simple intention, remember to breathe; a reminder to align with her intuition, trust her core, and heighten her sense of presence. Whether motivational, loving, or simply used as gentle reminders, intentions are meant to be positive and keep you grounded in the moment.
Step 4: Intentional Movements – Fitzmaurice Voicework®
Used to explore the interwoven relationship between our body and mind, Fitzmaurice Voicework® is an excellent training technique taught at renowned schools such as Yale, Harvard, and NYU. It combines adapted voice-work with modified practices including yoga, shiatsu, bioenergetics, and energy work. Those who enroll in a class undergo 5 stages: destructuring, restructuring, presence, play, and applications. Overall, the practice promotes a deeper understanding of the body and uses dynamic exercises such as Tremorwork® and hands-on work.
Hanna’s four steps toward self-sufficiency has allowed her to discover a healthy way to overcome emotional dependency and further her personal and professional endeavors. Through her daily routines, meditation practice, intention setting, and with the help of Fitzmaurice Voicework®, Hanna has gained the tools to remain grounded, fully understand her body, gain self-confidence, and trust her intuition.
If you’re ready to take the next steps in your life to become fully self-sufficient and gain active control over your decision making, problem solving, and emotional independence, here are four tips to implement in your daily practice for the next 21 days:
#1: Observe your Breathing
Make an effort to check-in with your breathing, especially during high-stress situations with your boss or co-workers, family members, or significant other. If you find yourself not breathing, gently remind yourself to breathe and aim to establish more consistent breathing patterns. Hanna’s Suggestion: How do you know if you’ve stopped breathing? By tightly clenching your jaw, closing your heart, or practicing poor posture by collapsing your shoulders and neck, you may be constricting your breath.
#2: Engage your Core
Whether you’re focused on training or simply going about daily life, it is incredibly important to engage your core and stay grounded in ‘what is.’ Hanna’s Suggestion: Feel your intuition.
#3: Move with Intention
You will experience a noticeable difference when you begin moving with intention. Hanna’s Suggestion: Similar to setting an intention, moving with intention gives you a clear direction, sharpened focus, and a greater sense of awareness and grounding in the moment.
#4: Observe the way you move by looking at:
Your body pressure distribution
Ease of movement
Limited range of motion
If you are interested in gaining one-on-one support in your journey to become self- sufficient – to share your experiences, answer your questions, and guide you through intentional movements, breath-work, and meditation – reach out to us today! We would love to help you get started in conquering all of your personal and professional goals.