Living on Autopilot

Living on autopilot…ever do it?

I do go about living on autopilot more often than I like to admit. It happens when I take life or my circumstances for granted. And when I am barely aware of what is going on around me. Also when I default to my “automatic” ways of being, thinking and doing in certain situations.

I am living on autopilot when I meander about without any thoughtful focus. And when I’m going through the motions of life almost unconscious like. Also when I’m not aware of how I’m acting.

A prime example

One day I recall driving home from work along a very familiar route from the south side of Holland, MI to the north side. After having gotten to the other side of a stop light I recall hoping the light I just drove through was green! I was living on autopilot driving home from work that day. I really did not recall if the light was red or green.

Breathing a sigh of relief I was grateful that no one was hurt and looked in the mirror to see the light was indeed green.

It takes practice to stop living on autopilot, intentional practice.

Imagine what it would be like to show up for an activity with the intention to get the most out of it. Or what it would be like to intentionally look for the positives in a person and let go of judgments—that person you’re looking at could even be you. Or what it would be like to not have the problems you encounter today define how this day goes for you.

Intention when mixed with the practice of mindfulness can be a guide to stop living in autopilot land.

Mindfulness is the practice of living in the present moment, paying attention on purpose and not judging but rather fully accepting what is happening—right here, right now.

Mindfulness includes seeing our thoughts clearly.

When we are mindful of our thoughts they have less power over us. Thoughts are after all just thoughts. Thoughts simply come and go unless we become attached to or fused with a thought. We then cling to it instead of letting it move on down the river of thought that flows through our mind all day long.

Judgments are simply just one kind of thought. We can intentionally see a judgment for what is it—a thought that can be let go of and does not need to be clung to and believed and acted upon.

When we have this awareness, we are no longer living on autopilot.

An intentional practice of mindfulness can help us live life more fully and be more at peace in our daily lives. It can help us is we suffer with anxiety and depression too.

Like anything else in life, it does takes practice and practice and practice to learn. And even more practice to maintain a skill. It just does!

Would you like to stop living on autopilot?

You might consider incorporating an intentional mindfulness practice into your life.

For tips and tools, check out these wonderful resources:
DBT Self Help.com, Mindfulness
Mindful.org, How to Meditate

Also consider professional help especially if your anxiety or depression is interfering in your daily living.

Do Contact Me to begin Anxiety Therapy or Depression Therapy today!

JD’s Midlife Tools For Living Practices, Holland, MI
Offering Heartfelt care, Compassion and Coping Tools!