Are You Worried? 4 Steps to Peace of Mind
This is an interesting quote, it really resonated with who I use to be. "Nothing I worry about ever happens." I would exhaust so much energy worrying about things that never even happened yet.
Do you worry a lot -- and about the most insignificant things? I worry about the big things, of course, like health, relationships, and finances. In the past, I would worry about anything and everything that found its way into my consciousness.
Once I realized this served no purpose I decided to embrace it with a personal research project. Here are two avenues I'm explored:
1) Practice catching yourself. Simply say to yourself "Hey, I'm worrying again." In stressful times, I catch myself worrying the most! On rare days when I don't have anything to worry about, I find something. What I've learned is that worry is a mental habit. I can change habits; I've done it before. There's hope.
2) My second approach is to practice presence. By this, I mean stopping my thoughts. In my workshops, I ring a bell to help participants practice centering. The quieter we are, the longer we hear the bell. There's a lovely moment when we all listen . . . until the ring is barely audible . . . then just a memory. I relish that moment of quiet before my thoughts re-engage. There is no future or past, just Now. No worrying thoughts -- no thoughts at all. It's a peaceful place, which is why I stretch the moment. I want to strengthen the connection to something greater than my worries.
3) Address the issue right then; if you can't do anything about it at the moment, give yourself time to address it later; or decide that it is not important and let it go. In other words, act on it, file it, or throw it away.
4) This one is a fun one! Connect yourself, your creativity, and the place where everything really is okay. Awareness and acknowledgment are the keys to changing our habits. Morihei Ueshiba, who founded aikido and spoke of it as the Art of Peace, said we must "always practice the Art of Peace in a vibrant and joyful manner." I hope this will help make you smile, and live each day in such a way it’s to the fullest!
REMEMBER to stop your thoughts for a moment. Listen to the sounds around you, pay attention, and be present to this key moment. And smile . . . for no reason. You may find that's the best reason of all.
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