As humans, we have an exceptional ability to perceive and embrace consciousness. That means we get to make choices about how we maneuver through situations. And, through conscious practices, one of the biggest abilities we have in life is the ability to frame or reframe a situation.

Reframing is a concept that you have probably heard about most. To reframe is to look at a bad situation and find the good in it and use that good as a sort of mantra. This is a powerful practice that lets you decide that mistakes and hardships can be transmuted into something beautiful.

Here are some practical examples of reframing:

• I have yet another bill coming in the mail and I don’t have the ability to pay it in full.
  
  Reframe: I have another bill coming in the mail. Maybe I should look at my habits and practices in order get control of this situation. I’m going to set aside some time to do that today. And, I need to ask if I am really doing my best or just doing it halfway.
  
• I just had a horrible scare with my health
  
  Reframe: I had a health scare, meaning I can make some real changes now in order to prevent some of this in the future. This scare was a blessing and the hospital bill that comes with it is a reminder that I don’t want to be back in this situation no matter how good I think junk food tastes.
  
• I have a mountain of work to catch up on and I don’t seem to find the time.
  
  Reframe: I get to do this work because I’m good at it and I made a commitment to my employer or clients. And, since I am overwhelmed, I’m going ask for help.

Framing means that you are setting your attitude and expectations for what is going to happen. This could also be labeled as setting your intentions. This is also a powerful practice since it allows you create a more positive space for your day, week, event, or whatever situation unfolds. Here are some examples of framing:

• I’m about to go to a networking event. Wow, this is scary. How am I going to talk to total strangers?
  
  Frame: I may be nervous, but this will be a good practice for me and maybe I will meet a great friend at the event.
  
• Oh man, I don’t want to go see this person. They are so negative and mean.
  
  Frame: I may not agree with everything this person is saying and I certainly don’t want to deal with the negativity, but this is an obligation and I will do my best to find a positive in the situation, even if it is merely to see the ego surging through this person OR a great opportunity for me to practice non-reactivity.

Whatever your situation is, you can choose to be miserable in the circumstances or you can choose to use the tools in your emotional toolbox to rise above the situation. If you don’t have much in your toolbox at the moment, just do your best without numbing.