Overcoming Overwhelm: How to Set Calm, Clear, & Compassionate Boundaries
Have you ever found yourself drowning in a sea of responsibilities and obligations? With that relentless feeling of overwhelm? You know, those moments when it seems like life is spinning out of control, and you’re left gasping for a breath of fresh air? Well, brace yourself for a revelation that might catch you off guard! That overwhelming sense of chaos might very well be a result of your inability to set boundaries.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Boundaries? Really?” It might come as a surprise to many, but the lack of clear boundaries can often be the hidden culprit behind our feelings of exhaustion and unease. But fret not, because today on Beyond Empty Nest, we have an extraordinary guest who’s here to shed light on this intriguing connection.
Ann Weiser Cornell, author and CEO of Focusing Resources, is no stranger to the world of inner exploration and self-discovery. With over 35 years of experience in teaching and sharing her wisdom worldwide, Ann is a recognized authority in the field of Focusing – a transformative practice for emotional self-healing and understanding. She’s also the co-developer of Inner Relationship Focusing and Untangling, and the author of several influential books, including “The Power of Focusing” and “The Radical Acceptance of Everything.”
In today’s conversation, we’ll explore the pivotal role that boundaries play in our lives. So, if you’re ready to gain a new perspective on your overwhelming feelings and move toward greater self-awareness, tune into Ann Weiser Cornell’s advice.
In this episode
[03:02] Ann lets us know about her backstory about being overwhelmed and setting boundaries.
[05:32] What are the steps to establishing healthy boundaries?
[08:32] Figuring out how to move forward without anxiety taking over.
[10:01] “I think is really important is that we start being compassionate toward ourselves.”- Ann
[11:49] How to communicate clear values and boundaries without feeling angry or blaming.
[14:16] Ann talks about “the power of pausing”.
[18:17] “Mostly everything people say and do is usually about them and not about you.” – Jodie
[21:01] Setting boundaries directly reflects your sense of self-worth.
[23:29] Ann lets us know our dare for this week.
[25:19] Jodie shares a special fun fact with the audience with Ann.
Your Dare this week is for the next 24 hours, every time you notice a stressful emotion, use this language: “I am sensing that something in me feels [name the emotion]”. You can follow that up with: “And I’m saying hello to that.” For example, “I’m sensing something in me. I’m feeling really anxious right now, and I’m saying hello to that.” And then notice what happens after. Notice if that makes a difference in your feelings of being overwhelmed.
About Ann Weiser Cornell
Ann Weiser Cornell is an American author, educator, and worldwide authority on Focusing, the self-inquiry psychotherapeutic technique developed by Eugene Gendlin. She has written several definitive books on Focusing, including The Power of Focusing: A Practical Guide to Emotional Self-Healing, The Focusing Student’s and Companion’s Manual, and Focusing in Clinical Practice. Cornell has taught Focusing around the world since 1980 and has developed a system and technique called Inner Relationship Focusing. She is also a past president of the Association for Humanistic Psychology. Ann lives in Berkeley, California and her partner is author and film historian Joseph McBride.
Connect with Ann Weiser Cornell
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