Transpersonal Psychology - What Most Psychologists Don’t Cover
Recently, I was feeling flat and irritable.
Unsure of my next move and really doubting my beliefs, vision for the future and how to make it all work.
I was easily frustrated by my partner and kids, which made me feel worse.
I couldn’t shake what I was feeling even though I was doing the right ‘self-care’ things.
*spoiler* don’t skip step 4 as this is what most traditional psychologists and coaches don’t talk about - ecopsychology and transpersonal psychology.
I was exercising, meditating and being intentional about my future dreams and taking steps towards them.
But nothing was working.
Here are the exact steps I took to shake the frustration and feel good again, excited for the future and motivated.
Step 1 - Move your body
We all know we need to exercise to feel good - but are you moving your spine?
Our spinal cord is part of our nervous system - and there are links between how our spine moves and our emotions.
Positions like - cat/cow in yoga are great to add to any exercise routine (did you know I’m a certified yoga teacher :)?)
Step 2 - Breathwork
This doesn’t have to be anything wild.
I love kundalini yoga poses for moving the spine and for simple breathwork exercises that shift your emotions and energy quickly.
Step 3 - Talk
This isn’t ground-breaking - but if you’re like me, I tend to shut down when I’m struggling.
I need time to reflect and figure out how I'm feeling and then I can talk.
But make sure you do.
Being vulnerable with who you love about how you’re feeling - is another way to literally reduce stress chemicals in your body.
Step 4 - Connect to something greater than you
This goes beyond traditional psychology and coaching.
I found that traditional psychology in my 20’s didn’t work.
What I didn’t realise then, is what I needed.
All I knew is that traditional cognitive-behavioural therapy wasn’t deep enough.
Challenging my irrational thoughts didn’t work.
I needed something more.
The other week, I was going on my morning walk - trying to shift my energy and mood.
I was still feeling sad and frustrated, and wasn’t even completely sure why.
I was trying to re-frame with phrases I often say to myself.
It’s okay to feel this way.
What is for me, won’t pass me (I know cheesy - but I love it!).
Neither were working.
I looked out across the ocean, and saw a spray of water in the air.
Whales!
I spent 10 minutes watching them playing in the ocean.
I purposely breathed in and out as I watched them.
I imagined them under the water, their incredible huge bodies moving gracefully through the waves.
It was at this moment that my mood lifted.
Why?
The phrase came to me - there is something larger at work here.
When I could feel what these words meant for me, I relaxed.
I was able to let go of trying to control everything in my life.
I was able to relax into this idea that you can relax into the flow of life.
Connecting into nature, animals, the sun, the ocean - changes us on a cellular level.
Eco-psychology and transpersonal psychology are gaining traction because many people need more than what traditional psychology can offer.
Connecting into something greater than you gives you perspective.
It's humbling.
It restores hope.
It allows you to let go of fear that is wrapped up in control.
This is why my work is heavily influenced by eco-psychology and transpersonal psychology.
So next time you find yourself feeling flat and frustrated -
Remember - connect with your body, others and your environment.
If you’re ready to dive deeper into how eco-psychology or transpersonal psychology could help increase your intuition and reduce anxiety and low mood.
Head to my contact page.