(PART 1)
Last week I deleted my Instagram account (off my phone).
It became clear to me this summer, I needed change. For
emotional, mental, physical wellbeing, and more importantly at a SPIRITUAL
level.
Using social media for work, sharing events, connecting with
students and clients, in this ever-increasing digital age – I believed I had
to be on social media all the time.
And with the algorithm, Instagram certainly encourages regular
use.
You get rewarded if you play by the rules, use the app every
day and take part in trends. New tactics to keep people engaged so your posts
get seen by more.
Thing is, the more
I tuned in, the more I noticed, and the more I realised.
Technology can be a great help, and also, it’s an energetic portal. It amplifies energetically whatever is placed online. And it’s a place where you can give and receive energy at various levels, sometimes beneficial, other times less so.
I’ll explain more.
.png)
(NOTE: If you’re well
versed with the energetic world already, feel free to skip to part 2)
You see, everything
in this life is made up of energy (quantum physics explains more), what you
say, feel, eat, drink, post online etc, all holds a vibration.
There are things you
see, touch and feel with your 5 senses, and also there are subtler frequencies
that cannot be seen with physical eyes. Think about WiFi - you see the effect,
right? You know it’s there, though most people don’t see data floating through
the air with their physical eyes.
You have a physical
body, and you have an energetic field made up of various layers - I won’t go
into detail here, though for simplicity’s sake let’s call the energetic aspect
of you, the Soul which animates your physical body. You have a name, a
personality and body in this lifetime, yet you at your core are
something so much more.
Depending on your
beliefs (and it can be useful to reflect on different perspectives, even just
for a moment) at your core, you never die. The physical body may be left
behind, though on an energetic level you live on.
This physical life,
right now is temporary.
Opening up to the
world of energy is vast and often brings many questions, fears, beliefs etc.
It’s not focused on much in mainstream society (even though it’s heavily
studied and proven by scientific studies - specifically in quantum physics).
(PART 2)
I was brought up
knowing about and working with energy from day one.
Understanding the
depths of food energetics from both parents (my mother being a pioneer in this
field with over 45 years’ experience and 9 books) and developing my skills as
an intuitive through various modalities, I know deeply the world is not only what
we see or sense physically.
This awareness and
sensitivity were a challenge over the years which has since developed into one
of my greatest strengths. Knowing what people are feeling before they say
anything, receiving deep insights without looking for it, getting messages from
people who have passed… and more.
I remember years
ago, drawing a picture for someone, getting clear messages for specific things
that made no sense to me whatsoever.
Asparagus, golden pocket watch, bookshelf, whiskey in a glass. What?
Later to find out that
what I drew was a direct message for this person about their deceased father.
He bought tinned asparagus for them every Christmas and drank a shot of whisky
every evening whilst reading in his study.
My mouth dropped
open when the person pulled out a golden pocket watch from their desk that they
kept as a keepsake of him
I had no idea, yet
I trusted what I felt energetically.
Why do I share
this?
We’re influenced by
energy (many different forms) whether we’re aware of it or not.
Frequencies from
phone masts, mobile phones, bluetooth, social media, news, collective focus and
attention on specific things, people thinking about us, different environments
etc. Some people are more sensitive to it than others, though we ALL have the
ability to notice it.
How do you feel
in a busy shopping street vs a quiet place surrounded by nature?
Have you ever
walked into a room sensing tension in the air?
How do you feel
after you scroll on social media?
What I’ve learnt over the years is the importance of grounding, watching what I consume (information, food, drink, environments etc) and connecting to what lights me up in life (a direct connection to my Soul).
I use social media
(for various jobs) though over the years I’ve developed an unhealthy habit
(like many) of using my phone in moments when I could develop more presence. Yes,
even with all I know about the subconscious mind I found myself unconsciously
scrolling.
“Work” was the
excuse to be on the apps regularly and I found it hard to set boundaries whilst
having (Instagram especially) on my phone. It became an unconscious habit that
kept pulling me back, again and again.
Easy access for the
Ego to play out subconscious patterns, rather than creating change.
(PART 3)
First let’s be
clear, social media isn’t all bad, it can be used for wonderful things that
create a positive impact. Whilst the following points focus more on the
negative impact, to bring awareness, it’s important to remember there are
benefits too and it can be used with balance for those who chose to do so.
I’ve also included
some “TRY THIS” invitations after every point to invite change. These
are an invitation, not a “must do” and please go at your own pace. It’s
not about getting it perfect, doing everything right now. Simply a few reflection
points or simple practical steps to shift the focus and step forward regarding
social media if you choose.
These simple “TRY
THIS” steps are a starting point and further steps and professional support
may be needed for ingrained habits, though do not underestimate their power due
to the simplicity.
DISCONNECTION FROM BODY & SOUL
Unintentionally
wasting time through scrolling, disconnecting from body and Soul, therefore
creating space for other energies to enter and influence. These apps place
people in a hypnotic state so information embeds deeper into subconscious therefore
making people more easily influenced.
Not just
psychologically and emotionally, though also energetically. I won’t go into
this in huge depth here though I’ve noticed energetic influences that gain from
people entering this disconnected state. Resulting in the person lacking
vitality, clarity and purpose in their life because they’re giving away their power
to the app and energies connected to the apps without realising.
Of course, there is
helpful content with information and practices that uplift and inspire the Soul
too. Though the act of scrolling itself, isn’t helpful as it promotes
disconnection. A perfect way to numb and zone out of the depth of this human
experience, which can lead to lack of clarity, purpose and deeper meaning in
life when done so regularly.
TRY THIS: Take a deep breath counting in slowly 1, 2, 3, 4… and out until 6. Back
to the breath, back to the body. From here, place your hand over your heart,
notice the rise and fall as you breathe in and out, that’s LIFE right there.
Within you. Reconnect.
COMPARISON
Social media is a
prime location for comparison between people to arise, sometimes even
unconsciously. Though resulting in feeling a lack of self-worth and fulfilment,
believing that other people’s lives are better when comparing your whole life
to someone else’s curated highlights. This is also very prominent regarding
body image too, especially with the increased use of filters.
I've noticed this
arising personally seeing other coaches online who have way less experience,
depth and qualifications yet seem to get more work and have thousands of
followers because they’re better at marketing and are ok using the influencer
model (posting about their lifestyle to gain more followers). I struggled with
this as I do not want to share every aspect of my life online, nor do I want people
to want to live exactly like me. I want people to reconnect to themselves and life.
TRY THIS: Place your right hand over your left shoulder, and your left hand under
your right shoulder… offering yourself a gentle hug. Notice what shifts as you
say to yourself “thank you for being YOU”.
JUDGEMENT, BLAME & EXPECTATIONS
Division between humans
is common online, with complex issues becoming black and white, polarising
people against each other (have you seen Social Dilemma on Netflix?).
Using social media
for work, and having a following often brings the expectation that you need to
speak about all world events also. Many expect you to not just be the
professional of which you are trained in …though to also be an activist,
influencer, friend, parental figure etc ...the list goes on.
I will absolutely speak up on important matters when it’s in alignment though I noticed my energy draining in this area as I cannot tend to every political topic on the planet, and nor should I need to.
Though some expect this.
I was also placing pressure
on myself to keep up with society rather than holding space for my well-being (which
helps me be of better service in the long term). I support some charities and
causes and felt a pressure to post about it online with these expectations,
though also recognised my boundaries and need to not post everything online.
Often the same
energetic pattern is playing out on apps that is found in the world, people
played like pawns on a chess board (again, if you haven’t seen Social Dilemma
on Netflix, do). People being emotionally influenced regarding world events,
resulting in turning towards each other, repeating the same energetic cycle of
hate within the collective consciousness. And I noticed that in this online
environment I was judging myself more too.
TRY THIS: What’s REALLY important for you in life, at the deepest core? What do
you choose to give energy and attention to? What thoughts, words and actions reflect those core values? When you
step away from the stories, and back to what truly drives behaviours (values)
and see that in others too, things become clearer and more filled with
compassion.
SUBCONSCIOUS
WOUNDS
Social media can
connect humans, AND it also energetically ties to unconscious wounds of the
Ego. If an individual using social media has a childhood wound that hasn’t been
tended to, it will play out.
Remember what I
said earlier? Social media is a portal; it amplifies things energetically.
For example, if you
have a rejection wound that’s overlooked, social media will highlight that. If
you have a perfectionist streak, believing that nothing you do is enough.
Social media will highlight that. This can create more anxiety for people as
they unconsciously seek validation through social media to fill childhood
wounds.
TRY THIS: Take a moment to reflect on what
patterns have arisen when using social media. What do they say about
unconscious childhood stories that need tending to? What “bucket” is looking to
be filled and how can you do that in a conscious and constructive way? If you
want extra support with this, 1:1 sessions are available.
A COLLECTIVE
VISION BOARD
You’ve heard of a
vision board, right? Creating a visual representative of what you want
to call into your life, through magazine cuttings or online images so the
subconscious mind can start bringing that into the present experience (along
with belief work etc). Social media is like a collective online vision
board.
Whatever
humanity draws attention to through online posts, it collectively invites the
shared focus to manifest more of that in the world. Shared, collective attention is incredibly
powerful, it has the power to influence the world, for better or for worse. Quantum
physics explains this further with the observer effect.
TRY THIS: What world do you want to see? Are your
thoughts, words, actions and what you share online in alignment with that? Can
you find a song, image or phrase that represents that to support your vision
and daily expression?
SHORTENED ATTENTION
SPAN & AI
Instagram was primarily
used for photos. Now the algorithm favours short, concise videos which help to
shorten attention spans. In NLP we use short moving images, repetition and
break states to reprogram the subconscious mind and rewire new neural pathways
for positive change.
The way Instagram
is designed, it does the same, though depending on what content you consume,
this can bring positive or negative effects.
For content
creators, many have moved to posting videos rather than photos because they get
a better reach - which if you’re running a business you need. Thing is, by
uploading more and more video footage, of yourself, you are giving more data of
gestures, mannerisms, voice, facial expressions etc for AI development.
Some say this is a
good thing, though to be aware of the possible consequences is important. There
are already AI generated videos of individuals saying things they never said.
If you’re running a business this is problematic, and energetically it is too.
TRY THIS: Switch short form content to more long
form content. Creating an identity around this can help as well seeking
accountability with loved ones or a professional. Notice what changes when you
say “I don’t watch reels anymore” vs “I shouldn’t / need to stop / have to stop
/ can’t watch reels anymore”. The first statement is an identity statement, it’s
decisive and clear which helps to direct behaviour. When something becomes part
of who you are, it’s a lot easier to stick to, especially with accountability -
language matters! I used this for YouTube shorts and haven’t watched one in
over 3 years!
.png)
(PART 4)
And the list goes
on, not to mention questionable ethics of corporate giants etc.
Though I mention it
again, social media or the corporate giants that create them are not
necessarily the sole villain here.
We need to take
responsibility for how we live our lives, what’s helpful and what is and isn’t (for us as individuals).
I knew before,
though this summer I felt it deeply, I cannot complete what I've come here to
do at a Soul level by how I have been using social media until now.
- It was distracting me from myself, my true self.
- It was wasting precious time that I could be using to create new projects and ideas that I have yet to birth.
- It was an excuse of the Ego to avoid the depths of the Soul.
I'm not saying goodbye to Instagram or other platforms completely, though
taking a break from having my work account on my phone, and saying goodbye to
unnecessary scrolling.
Using that “TRY
THIS” tip from above …I now affirm,” I don’t do endless scrolling”.
Allowing my energy
field to be filled once again with my whole being, not other energies that
influence and drain me.
Looking after
myself physically, mentally, emotionally and SPIRITUALLY.
.png)
Things that help…
- Time in nature and connection with my body.
- Getting back into reading good books again, fewer screens in the evening and early morning.
- Seeing the bigger picture, listening to my intuition, and guidance from my Soul.
- Creating more intentional space for myself, slowing down, giving myself permission to rest.
- Cutting energetic ties, placing boundaries, holding a firm intention whenever I enter platforms.
Not doing this
perfectly by any means, though the intention is there and I’m really enjoying
the gifts this new step forward is bringing so far.
More peace.
More calm.
More presence.
More time.
I may pop in occasionally on Instagram, though for now, I'm creating space and loving it. Focusing my attention on the monthly email shares, blog posts like these, Insight Timer meditation app and on my Telegram channel.
Do you struggle with social media?
What helps you find balance? I'd love to hear.
And as always, 1:1 sessions continue online, worldwide - more info here.
