User Login
Elevator Ride
Elevator Ride
Goin’ Up,
Self regulation is something that I have not given too much conscious thought so here it goes.
Yesterday as I was getting prepared to spend the day finishing the Compton book, I found myself in somewhat of down mood. I recognized the fact that I would much rather be spending my day off doing something more pleasurable. I put on some uplifting, Contemporary Christian music while I was preparing my morning English muffin and Peanut Butter. Normally I would turn on the news or some other drivel on television. After a few minutes, and my breakfast, I found myself dancing around the living room. My mood had elevated substantially and I was able to leave the music on while I read. Music has a wonderful way of penetrating through the funk of necessity and changing my mood. Another benefit is the realization that I am engaging in a productive activity instead of numbing my mind with TV.
Another activity I engaged in this week was exercise. Like many others I have the goal of getting in shape. This involves putting forth some physical exertion. I realize that if I procrastinate it has a negative effect on my mood. I know that I am putting off what I need to do to improve my health and live a longer, more enjoyable life. To get motivated is a momentary decision and Nike has the slogan “just do it”. I believe this slogan was created for motivation through procrastination. It is like pulling off a band-aid, if you make the decision and “just do it” there is little pain, but if you drag it out it hurts for much longer. The activities of running on the treadmill and working out with the weight machine give me a wonderful, positive feeling. I know that this is both biological and psychological. I also listen to music as I workout and that is an added bonus.
Goin’ Down
The one major tool I use for addressing negative stimuli is prayer. It is not usually the type of prayer where one gets on their knees and makes a ritual out of. I am talking about recognition of the fact that I am not in charge of many things in my life and offering the circumstance, person or other negative, up to a power greater than myself. I can use this instant prayer anytime I feel overwhelmed. It works very well when someone is driving in a less than courteous manner or when everyone at the store needs a price check. I also use little sayings like, “this too shall pass” and “would you rather be right or happy”. This reminds me that life is not a race with a destination, but a journey to be enjoyed, the stop and smells the roses thing.
John,
I appreciated your comments about prayer. It is a good way to check in on our perceptions. It's nice to know we're not alone, and that God is always willing to listen and give us either a confirmation or a "better check that out a little more" answer.
I have used the comment, "this too shall pass." Also, "What doesn't kill me, will make me stronger." If we can keep a positive attitude of hope in our trials, we will get through them a lot easier - and everyone has trials.
I like how the Japanese take exercise breaks at their workplaces. I like much better the idea of taking dance breaks. Much more creative and joyous. There is actually a therapy group in town that just gets together once a week to dance.
I also liked your "stop and smell the roses" philosophy. Even if you get to that destination, what's the point if you don't have another destination to go to? it is the life journey that has to be consciously savored.
p.s. Sue-Marie, You made my day with the humorous t-shirt quote.
“Music has a wonderful way of penetrating through the funk of necessity and changing my mood.” I couldn’t agree more. Music has always been one of my best friends – from Led Zeppelin to traditional hymns; “Stairway to Heaven” to “Amazing Grace”. Music plus exercise is a sure-fire formula for supreme well-being.
Compton says (on page 139) that “music can help patients heal faster after surgery, can help cancer patients with the healing process, can help Alzheimer’s patients remember events from their past, can help people cope better with severe pain, can boost our immune systems, and can even help children raise test scores.” He goes on to say that “music can actually lead to increases in brain size”. I’m not exactly sure what that means – watch out for a swelled head?’
“Would you rather be right or happy?” Unfortunately, I think a fair number of people want to be “right”. But, it is the wise person who decides that the “right” thing to do is be happy. One of my favorite quotes is – “The desire to control change is our greatest obstacle to wisdom.” (Ram Dass) Praying is a great tool for letting go of the need to control.
It made me smile to picture you “dancing around the living room”. A very positive image…..
My mother always says "this too shall pass" and she is one of those freakishly happy people so I think you are onto something there. But what really struck me about this post was the question you ask yourself, "Would you rather be right or happy?" People often say to "just let go" but this isn't always easy for me. It's getting easier, but I have to work at it. I think "would you rather be right or happy" is another way of moving off the spot that is causing angst, but it seems more concrete than "just let go." I sometimes take the blame for things I didn't do just because people sometimes really need to be mad at somebody and I think, okay, I'll take the blame and then they can get off it. Why do we get so stuck on being right? I think it is our mind playing tricks with us. You have to watch that mind, it's quite a trickster.
As one former classmate's t-shirt said, "Don't let your mind wander. It's too little to be out by itself."
John L
How did you come up with the dancing around the room. I understand about the music in the background while you study it kinds of lets your mind relax to take in the information that you are reading. I would think that the dancing would help with the exercising, just for the cardio. I think I should try this myself. I like the fact that you give yourself positive affirmations on a daily basis, because thishelps you to get your day going right.