How much longer do we want to keep suffering? When is it going to be enough? We get so used to the feeling of stress and alert, that our body forgets what calm feels like. Surviving is a quiet act. For some people it can be as simple as having too many coffees, skipping family time or zoning out in front of the TV because they are too tired to do anything else.
In his book Letting Go, Dr. David R. Hawkins explains that most of the time we don’t even realize how much we’re holding in. It’s only when we experience a brief moment of relief that we suddenly acknowledge all the weight we’ve been carrying on our shoulders and feel the need to let go. That’s what surviving does to us too. If we don’t realize that we are stuck in a state of alert, we can never let go and thrive.
Even when life feels unfair, it’s not the circumstances, but how we handle them that shapes our reality. Thriving is about letting go and accepting where we are right now. Thankfully, we have more control over it than we think . Keep reading to find out how!
How I Moved Out of Survival Mode
For a long time, I didn’t realize I was living in survival mode. From outside, my life seemed normal. I was doing well at work, meeting friends, doing everything I was supposed to do. But inside, I felt disconnected, like an outsider in my own life. That feeling of disconnection became my normal.
I remember having anxiety or overthinking sometimes, but mostly I was just functioning. Half here, half there until I found yoga. At first, I felt extremely uncomfortable, my mind was loud and my body restless. In one of the classes I took a deep breath and something shifted inside of me. For the first time in a long time I was aware of both my body and my mind. I couldn’t control what was happening, but I could choose how to react. Everything softened. That’s when I realized I needed to let go of my old habits and learn to be present and grounded so I could start living.
Simple Practices to Start Thriving
Moving out of survival mode means letting go, recognizing that something is happening, and allowing the body to regain balance. It’s about accepting what is, allowing yourself to soften, to feel safe again, and to understand that thriving comes by being present.
Here are a few practices that helped me move out of survival mode:
- Yin Yoga or Restorative Yoga: Deep and slow stretches to relax your body, mind, and soul. These types of yoga classes are a gift of self-care, nothing will make you feel safer and more at home in your own skin.
- Breathing techniques: Especially diaphragmatic or box breathing. As new air comes in, clarity follows.
- Meditation and mindfulness: It can be challenging at first, but soon silence becomes your guide. With practice, you’ll start feeling grounded and connected.
- Nature walks and gentle movement: Walking and moving gets the energy flowing through all your body so it doesn’t stay trapped in your mind or tense up your muscles.
With consistent practice, you’ll notice how your muscles soften, your energy rises and you can finally tell the difference between surviving or being fully present. These habits will help you let go of what no longer serves you and move you closer to thriving.
Remember: You’re Stronger Than You Think
The shift from surviving to thriving is possible. Life can be challenging and sometimes even unfair. Our peace and safety can’t depend on controlling everything that we experience or feel. They should depend on how we meet those moments and what tools we use to respond more gently.
When we learn to do that, life starts to flow smoother. Maybe things don’t get easier, but we’ll be more grounded to face anything with strength and compassion.
Life is meant to be lived, not survived.
