Where Thoughts Go...Energy Flows
The Challenge started at the end of 2011 and I made it about 60% of the
way before deciding to focus on other topics of discussion. I would now like to take the opportunity to
revisit The Challenge and finish the 30 days in which we create a moment to
look inward and improve our Physical, Spiritual, and Personal 'Self'.
I started the week excited to prepare for the final 10 episodes of The
Challenge and then, essentially, 'Life Happened'. I phrase it this way because I have come to
realize that the cerebral place of positive energy is a world that I choose to
visit with my mind's eye and it is not always the most accurate picture of the
reality that exists around me. In the
past, I have written about the downside to such a habit and I must now be aware
of the cautionary tales that can result from such behavior.
However, as the reality of life unfolded right before my eyes this week
I found myself flustered with a friendship wrought with tension, stressed about
various work projects that all had overlapping deadlines, and discouraged by
the unexpected financial burden of a repair cost on my less than
budget-friendly German-made automobile (at least two pairs of Louboutins worth
of repairs). I woke up on Monday morning
with energy and spunk, but returned to my bed by Tuesday night with a heavy
heart and slightly red eyes affected by the lack of sleep and increase of
stress in my life. I have no doubt that,
on some level, you can relate to the feeling of a fresh start being clouded by the
needs of the world pounding at your door.
By Wednesday, I was what you might call a 'Head Case'. Luckily, the car trouble had required me to
visit LA bright and early to retrieve my vehicle and I then had to drive from
West LA to San Clemente for a meeting.
For those not familiar with SoCal geography, at the time of day that I
was traveling this was easily a 2 hour drive.
Those two hours became an unexpected time of self reflection and
rebuilding. I realized that while my
life was busy and demanding, it was certainly still filled with blessings and
opportunity. I also realized that much of
my downfall on Tuesday was a function of my mind circling the tragic to-do list
that was weighing me down. I had become
engulfed in it all and the road trip was pulling me off of this slippery
slope. It was, literally, a moment to
get a grip!
This unexpected opportunity of dedicated personal time allowed me to
clear my mind of all the circular, and frantic, thoughts so that by the time I
returned to the office I was in a much better place. The experience reminded me of one of my
favorite sayings that I find to be incredibly true: 'Where thoughts go, energy flows'.
Don't underestimate the power of your mind. If you resign to negative thinking and
circling your mind around the stress of life then it will carry into every
detail of your day. In contrast, if you
do your best to maintain a positive and productive frame of mind then you will
be better equipped to take the bad in stride with the good. You will probably
find life to be significantly more manageable.
THE CHALLENGE - DAY 22
Physical
When was the last time you made time for physical activity that also
overlapped as alone time? Go for a
walk/jog/swim today and be alone with your thoughts. The physical activity will get the blood
flowing and the fresh oxygen will improve your mental well being. We all love to socialize and make working out
fun, but go it alone this time. You
won't regret it!
Personal
The power of positive thinking has numerous writers, speakers, and
bloggers (!) talking. Personally, I find
that the most influential noise on my train of thought can be music. If you want to really condense this challenge
then you can work on the physical and personal well being at the same time by
selecting a soundtrack that will bring a smile to your face and peace to your
eyes. The mind will quickly follow suit.
Spiritual
Nothing encourages positivity quite like gratitude. Whether you prefer to journal, pray, or
simply take a moment to 'think', spend just 5 minutes today reflecting and meditating
on all that you have to be grateful for in your life. Don't be afraid to get detailed and
personal. For example, instead of being
grateful for a loving family be grateful for the smile on that special person
that greets you when you walk in the door (four legged friends count!) or the
phone call that you can count on every week from that caring family member.
Tips and Reminders: Hot tea
soothes the body from the inside out.
Chamomile, Peppermint, or Lavender are all personal favorites.
No comments:
Post a Comment