Recently, two events have given me the capacity to try and be aware of those moments and to act upon them. I attended a Science of Mind group yesterday that allowed me some insight as to how to use those moments to heal and grow. The facilitator of the group spoke about one form of meditation called Shambala. Shambala is a liberal form of meditation, in that, there are not rigid rules to adhere to. The focus is on your breathing. Any time a thought distracts you from focusing on your breathing, you immediately forget the thought and return your focus to your breathing. What this accomplishes is, a place away from your thoughts back to your breathing. You come to a state of quiet. The resultant awareness is that your thought or thoughts have no power over you. Thus, if you have a thought that continuously hounds you, if you will, you can just stop and concentrate on your breathing to dispel the annoying thought. You can do it with any thought that is habitual or disconcerting.
My second awareness came from a book I am reading. The author speaks about our "sick side and our healthy side." It his his premise that "there is a part of us, however small, that wants us to grow." Likewise, there is a part of us, however small, that does not want us to exert ourselves, that clings to the old and familiar, fearful of any change or effort, desiring comfort at any cost and absence of pain at any price, even if the penalty be ineffectiveness, stagnation, or regression." Knowing this, we are faced with this question, which side will we nurture?
Ultimately, each one of us decides because we are all always growing. Understanding our choices is empowering. Since my transplant, and after seriously looking at my life for answers to many questions, I learned the necessity for changing habits. And, I have learned to be grateful for the ability to change. So, with that I leave you with a quote I recently read:
"First we form habits, then they form us. Conquer your bad habits or they will conquer you!"
Have an empowered week...
2 comments:
So much of our lives are spent trying to function under stress. Relaxation has become a lost art. It is in the mindful state that we can unclutter our minds and permit our creativity to emerge.
Often we can perform better on tasks when we take the time to relax.
Worrying is not the same as concern. Worrying is the chronic stressful habit of anticipating bad things. Concern is feeling genuine regard for ourself and others. While worry tends to drain us of our energy and compromises our health, concern involves devising consructive alternatives and supportive approaches to problems. A trained coach like Michelle can apply this positive approach to challenging situations.
While meditation can relieve annoying thoughts, it is sometimes necessary to examine these thoughts in a relaxed state of mind.
These thoughts may reflect the need to make chages in our lives. Michele points out that we all have a yearning to grow and change, as well as a fear of leaving our comfort zone and trying something new. Sometimes you need to calmly ask yourself what first step you can take to begin the change you desire. If you ask yourself "What is the worst possible thing that could happen if I take that step?", you may find that the risks are not as bad as you might fear. Change can be both rewarding and frightening. Growth requires the willingness to plan for change and the courage to carry it out - one step at a time. A positive attitude and a good support system are helpful in trying new things without the fear of failure.
All of us are a work in progress.
I truly believe that we are all a work in progress! I had just told that to Michelle yesterday via Skype.
Having worked in the Health Care System for 15 years plus, I think everyone can benefit from taking little moments here and there to breathe and relax. It may be tough when those fight-or-flight emotions come storming in, but realising it's happening is a great first step!
Breathing is such a simple answer, yet it makes the most sense as it enables more oxygen into your muscles and actually CHANGES your body... so I can relate and agree with Michelle that breathing exercises are part of a healthier lifestyle.
In fact I'm going to do some right now.......!
See you later!
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