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When we are confused there is an incongruity between what we are feeling and what we are thinking. Something in our head is telling us to move forward and at the same time another equally strong feeling is holding us back. This juncture is not something we need to willfully plow through, but rather a stopping post to re-evaluate where we are going.
Confusion points the way to a new beginning and will not allow us to take the first path that allays our anxiety. The first path is always the path we know, the way that is familiar and “makes sense”. It is very tempting to follow this way and if it were not for that nagging inner voice we would surely go down that road. Besides, most of us are so used to moving quickly that any hesitation is interpreted as a sign of weakness. But we need to slow down and get in touch with what is really going on.
When there is a gap between our heart and our head, we become confused. The part that is on automatic is telling us to move ahead but the part that is coming to consciousness is telling us to wait. And that is because we aren’t yet ready to make a decision. There are still parts of the puzzle coming to fruition and if we act prematurely we will most likely select a course of action that will not be in our best interests.
The best way I know to deal with confusion is to sit down in the middle of the floor. In a second, the craziness stops. Maybe sitting on the floor is nuttier than the confusion, or maybe an act so isolated has the power to stop a tangle of feelings and thoughts and bring us back to square one. Either way, the act of sitting re-centers us and we are back in our bodies where we can feel. The feeling is solid and unequivocal and inherently gives us permission to explore the conflicting messages we are getting. We may not get all the pieces at once but slowly things are becoming clearer. Most important, we learn the only time to move is when everything says, “Go!” and not a moment before.
By allowing new feelings to emerge without judgement, we filter and sift new ideas, trying them on for size. We begin to understand that changes take place incrementally and that to rush the process is to invite in confusion. There will be a right time for the change, a way that works for us. There is no timetable for getting clear, only the commitment we make to be real, no matter how long it takes.
From this place, confusion converts to clarity. We are in synch. What initially produced anxiety is now exciting and becomes part of the grand adventure. Rather than feel apprehensive and out-of-control, we allow the changes to happen in a graceful way. And for the moment, we are at peace.
from Reality Works - Let It Happen Copyright Chandra Alexander
We all need to remember to slow down once in a while. My problem comes when I feel like I don't have time to sit down and sift through my thoughts and feelings--a decision needs to be made now. Those are the times when it's hard to slow down, but they are probably also the times when we need to do it the most.
I agree with your advice. While sitting down and taking a time-out may seem nutty, making decisions when you are clearly confused is not a wise choice. I've found that when I'm confused, sitting down and listing out pros and cons of each side helps me most. Nearly all of the decisions I've made while confused have backfired later on. Very sound advice!
Very insightful information. I really like the aspect of how confusion and uncertainty leads to anxiousness. If I can't make decisions I just get flustered, and I'm not able to funtion. I will really try to figure whats a necessity and not do them. Always glad to read your articles. THanks again.
I get where you're coming from here but I can't actually follow this advice. I am confused about basically everything. I can't make decisions and usually just flip a coin or talk someone else into making decisions. If I let myself stop to get past my confusion I would just stay stopped. I would become catatonic. I wonder how to get rid of perpetual confusion?
Another really good blog, with some great advice. I always go ahead and do things when I am confused and most of the time I don't get the results that I would like. You're advice on waiting is correct. Don't do things when you're confused unless you absolutely have to.
Thanks for all the comments on "When You Are Confused, Do Nothing". If you have a question you would like to ask, please visit me at my blog, Chandra Unplugged, No Nonsense, Straight-up Blogging from a Life Coach at http://www.ChandraUnplugged.com and click on "Ask Chandra Anything" in the Categories section on the right and post your question. Also,if you would like to subscribe to the blog, just fill in your email and you will get regular updates.
Sending my best to all of you here, Chandra
I like the idea of stopping and just thinking about it before making your decision (this should be plain old common sense!). You're right--we're so used to rushing ahead without thinking that we don't stop to figure out why we're confused!
Yes, i take my time whenever i am confused and need to make a decision. Since as for my experience, quick decisions have turned bad for me.
Whoa girl... that's reassuring to know. Till now I thought doing nothing was also doing something but this squarely on the floor thingy has me floored.
Wow... I'm not sure this is really even advice. In my experience confusion is often an excuse people use to do nothing. I agree that there may be a gap between feelings and what we know to be true, however I do not think doing nothing will aid you in the long term. Maybe you are talking about in the short term, don't rush ahead of yourself. I suppose that is helpful.
This is great advice. With all the pressure to ACT NOW ACT NOW, and with all the condemning of slower approaches to problem solving, it's even more important to make sure that you clear your head and do all your mental double-checks. Tortoise and the hare, and all that.
I think the advice is alright, however what if you're in a situation where you can't sit in the middle of the floor to sift through your thoughts? Many times when I'm in a state of confusion or in the midst of a decision, I can't take time to think about it....I must act. I'll do my best to follow these instructions in the future. Perhaps I'll make more sound choices.
For me, this is a hard advice to swallow. I always do something, and I rarely do nothing. Although I realize there's time and place for everything, and that this advice is beneficial for people like me, sometimes doing nothing makes matters worse. I think a better way to put this is that having a clear mind helps you to make better decisions.
I have three kids, so taking a time out when I'm confused (and that's a lot!) isn't usually practical. But it's good advice, and something to think about.
I agree that sometimes you have to just sit back, breathe, and regroup in a confusing situation. Oftentimes, that little break will help you see something you didn't see before and clarify exactly what you should or need to do.
I think your article makes lots of sense! Sometimes you just need the time to quiet down and think. We are so used to multitasking and go go going!
Thank you for the wonderful advice! I think it's important to know the root of our feelings, instead of giving into to our reactionary feelings, such as anxiety. Things like this, where you find your root feeling first, are very necessary to your well being. And I like that you made it personal by explaining what you do yourself!
This is really great advice. I have a hard time doing nothing, but sometimes I know it is the best thing to do.
First of all, the idea of doing nothing when you are confused is an excellent one in my opinion. Our society focuses too much on action being one of the main keys to success. This idea is definitely a breath of fresh air in the way of advice.
What you've said is quiet true when one is confused you should not let other thoughts to emerge else you would be more confused. Well written and definitely helpful.
Sitting and doing nothing may work for some but it would definitely only add to the madness for me. I have a disease where cognitive ability is affected somewhat so for people like me, confusion has to be handled differently however before getting sick, if I sat and waited for something to make sense, it only got worse because then I became anxious. The article is well written and I am sure would work for others.
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