Kryptonite is the alien mineral; green radioactive substance and the only thing that rendered the comic-strip superhero – Superman vulnerable
Is it me, or is it the zeitgeist of film – Super Heroes have exploded (literally in some cases) onto our screens like never before ready to risk their lives and take on the bad guys and gals to save us mere mortals.
Super heroes are not without their foes – take superman and the one thing that can bring him to his knees and potentially his end – Kryptonite. There is plenty of Kryptonite to be found (metaphorically speaking). You could perceive it as being that certain someone or something that can render you vulnerable, weaken your resolve, upset, confuse, deflate or even cause you to feel unwell.
So what’s your Kryptonite? Is it the EX, social media addiction, boss, pesky in-laws, client, neighbour, sugar, perfectionism or other?
To us mere mortals the greatest threat of Kryptonite lies within rather than being an external object or force. It is powered by your mind. When you have negative or unresourceful habitual patterns in thinking and emotion they influence your behavior and can erode your happiness and stall your personal, professional and spiritual progress.
Let’s check out 5 common forms of Kryptonite and their antidotes
Attachment
When we identify or label an object or person as being pleasant or desirable we develop an attachment, clinging to that which we believe causes or enhances our happiness. At some time, the object of our attachment and happiness may become the cause of great suffering.
Antidotes
- Design and desire your goals and let go of the attachment to the outcome – the universe may have something even bigger or better in store for you.
- Remember that the nature of all phenomenon is one of impermanence.
Ask yourself the following questions:-
- What is the worst thing that could happen if I lose it (the object of attachment)?
- On a scale on 0 -10 (10 being the highest) how much does my happiness depend on this person, object or outcome?
Aversion
When we identify or label an object, person or experience as unpleasant or unfavourable we can develop an aversion – a strong desire to be separated from someone or something.
Aversion is often generated by fear or hatred and when that hatred goes unchecked, it can lead to anger – none of this will serve your happiness and well-being.
Antidotes
- Adopt a more neutral or equanimous (even tempered, calm and stable) state of mind – regular meditation practice will help.
- Face your fears – Remember:- False Evidence Appearing Real can help to diminish an aversion
- Be mindful of “That which you resist will persist”
Anger
Once manifested, anger can wreak havoc on you causing psychological and physiological disturbances including ill health.
When you react rather than respond to a person or situation with anger it’s often because they have mismatched with one or more of your values – they have broken your rule/s.
Antidotes
- Be mindful that anger is more often about “Your” values and not those of another person.
- Learn and practice the art of patience. Patience cultivates an inner calmness that can enhance the clarity and strength of mind enhancing wisdom and a more resourceful approach.
- Meditation –Sitting in the quiet and stillness can help to extinguish the flames of anger. Allowing your awareness to be on the breath has a calming and soothing effect on your body, brain and mind.
- Do the spiritual or new-age thing and imagine sending light beams of love to the source of your anger.
Hatred
Hatred is a destructive force with very visible and measurable damage. When you harbor thoughts of hatred, you wage a war within and you suffer from the inside out. Your peace of mind is disturbed, you begin to feel tense, you can lose sleep and your relationships and well-being suffers.
I am still stunned at how often I hear people use “hate” so frequently in their communication – “I hate cheese, I hate the neighbour’s cat, I hate getting up early, I hate Mondays and the list goes on and on. Words have power and can trigger visual, auditory and kinaesthetic responses that you may not be consciously aware of.
Antidotes
- Exchange the word “hate” for dislike – that will defuse the hate, create different sensory representations in your brain and hatred will begin to lose power in your life
- Cultivate kindness, compassion and tolerance towards others.
- Meditation and mindfulness – take time out to settle discursive thoughts and feelings.
- Be mindful of your words, deeds and actions.
Mindset
There’s more to mindset than simply waking up each morning and reciting positive affirmations – in fact doing so can be counter-productive. It is about your attitude and your patterns in thinking that influence and help shape your patterns in emotion and behavior.
I’ve mentioned before that you have between 50,000 – 70,000 thoughts a day and around 70% of those are negative – that’s a lot of potential Kryptonite.
Antidotes
- Nip it in the bud Asap – Exchange a negative, unresourceful or destructive thought for a positive or resourceful one.
- When you feel yourself slipping into a thought or emotional crisis, change your physiology – “Emotion=energy in motion”. Stand up, wiggle or shake it out or go for a walk.
- Cultivate a resourceful mindset – one in which you unconsciously or consciously seek out the resources i.e. strength, confidence, people, time you need in any given moment to keep your life and business on track.
- Lighten up, keep a sense of humor and don’t take yourself too seriously.
Want an insurance against these five and other various forms of Kryptonite from disrupting and disturbing your thinking, emotion and behaviour and taking hold of your life? Yes – implement the antidotes and learn how to quickly shift your thinking, manage your mindset and transform your emotions.
I’m curious – what’s your Kryptonite? Over to you to share in the comments below…
Up, up and away!
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