Stuck? This question miraculously unlocks possibilities
Have you ever noticed how our minds can become perfect traps?
We pace inside our problems like tigers in too-small cages.
Here’s something that changed everything for me: The Miracle Question.
It’s a brilliant tool from solution-focused therapy, crafted by Linda Metcalf, that helps us open to new possibilities when we’re stuck in a problem.
The miracle question invites you to imagine this…
“Tonight, while you’re sleeping deeply, something extraordinary happens. The problem that’s been weighing on you dissolves completely. But here’s the fascinating part – you don’t know about this transformation yet. When morning comes, what’s the first tiny detail that makes you realise everything has shifted?”
This isn’t just positive thinking (though there’s power there too). It’s about neural reframing – helping your brain step out of its well-worn worry tracks and onto fresh ground.
When we’re caught in a problem our minds contract around it, we lose the capacity to discover solutions. This question gently opens our mind up.
The science behind this is fascinating… When we vividly imagine a resolved future, our brains begin rehearsing it. We’re essentially creating neural pathways to possibility, much like an athlete visualizing the perfect dive before leaving the board.
Here’s what makes this question transformative: it bypasses our inner critic, that voice that distorts reality and is certain of it’s negative opinions.
This miracle question allows us to have a conversation with our future self who’s already figured it all out.
Brilliant! Don’t you think?
I’m curious… what would be different about tomorrow morning if your current challenge had transformed overnight? What would you notice first?
Sometimes sharing our visions helps them feel more real, more possible…
Warmly,
Elise
"If we wish to be healthy, happy and clear-minded, we need to upgrade our “inner technology”of attention to meet the demands of our increasingly complex world. That's where mindfulness comes in.."
- DR ELISE BIALYLEW
about the HOST AND FOUNDER OF
MINDFUL IN MAY:
DR ELISE BIALYLEW
Elise Bialylew is the author of the bestselling book, The Happiness Plan, and founder of Mindful in May, the world’s largest online global mindfulness fundraising campaign.
A doctor trained in psychiatry, turned social entrepreneur and mindfulness expert, she’s passionate about supporting individuals and organisations to develop inner tools for greater wellbeing and flourishing, and offers workshops and training at The Mind Life Project.
Her work has been featured in the Huffington Post, New York Times and on Australian Television. She was recently recognised by the Australian Financial Review as a 2019 AFR Women of Influence.
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