Are You A Cave Dweller?
by Gavin McGahey
So, are you a cave dweller? The cave offers safety, the illusion of being untouched by life’s hardships. It’s where we hide our vulnerabilities, mask our fears, and store the burdens we don’t want to face. As a former cave dweller, I know this too well. The cave was my refuge. It was where I cloaked my fears and stowed my pride, hiding from the harsh realities of life.
Occasionally, I would venture outside, survey the landscape, and quickly retreat to the comfort of the shadows. However, over time, the suppressed emotions, entrenched beliefs, and harsh truths filled the cave to the brim, leaving me exposed and forcing me to face those dreaded realities.
Confronting the Truth: A Path to Liberation
Initially, stepping out of the cave was incredibly uncomfortable. Truth, after all, can be confronting. However, it can also be liberating. When we dare to live in truth and presence, our mental state finds peace. We discover a place of calm awareness and authenticity.
Authenticity can only come from truth. Think about this statement for a moment. Reflect on times when you were not showing up authentically. What did it feel like? How were you acting? Who were you being during that period? I can almost guarantee you that truth was not present for you.
When we live in a world of untruths, we operate from a state of denial. Ownership and responsibility depart our conscious awareness and get replaced with excuse and blame. The ego and judgmental mind have a field day at the expense of your authenticity and wellness.
So how do we peel back the layers of ego and judgment to achieve fulfilment and self-love? Can we overwrite the internal programs that have dictated our actions and reactions for years?
The Power of Breathwork in Subconscious Reprogramming
Our minds can be compared to computer operating systems. Occasionally, they need an upgrade to function smoothly and efficiently, just as outdated software would. We need to clear the clutter, rid ourselves of the metaphorical viruses, and create ample free space for our minds to function optimally.
Just like a computer, our minds need periods of rest, ‘sleep mode,’ to replenish and restore. This understanding and awareness of our mind’s operations are crucial to our overall well-being.
Some men resist traditional talk therapy, apprehensive about face-to-face confrontations, especially in the presence of a partner. However, there are alternatives. As a certified breathwork facilitator, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of conscious connected breathing.
This unique modality allows individuals to replace outdated programs and release suppressed emotions. It provides a framework to deconstruct the walls of the cave, step by step, and emerge into the light of authenticity.
Embracing Vulnerability: A Sign of Strength
Perhaps it’s time to leave your cave, confront the truths you’ve been avoiding, and discover your authentic self. I did, and I can assure you that showing vulnerability as a man is a sign of strength, not weakness.
When we take off the mask and confront the person we desire to be in the mirror, we begin to speak in a whole new language of acceptance of oneself. The love of self without the need for validation. The fulfilment that can be experienced when we live as our authentic self, bathed in truth, acceptance, and awareness. We live in a new reality, operating with new updated programs. We then present to the world our new user interface which is known as our personality. Some may say, your living in a fantasy, my programs are stuck solid. But for me personally, I am living proof that whatever stage of life we are in, change can be a beautiful thing.
Stepping out of the cave might be daunting, but through the power of breathwork and the art of noticing, we can pave the way towards a more authentic, fulfilling life.
Embrace the journey. Step out of your cave. Begin your transformation today.
Meet the Author:
Gavin McGahey is a Wellness Coach, Breathwork Facilitator, Entrepreneur and author, having recently published, The Little Book of Noticing, How One Change Can Create Peace In Your Life. Gavin works with men and woman of all ages to assist them through challenges and renew their purpose & desire for life. Contact Gavin at GavinMcGahey.com.