"We can change our circumstances by a mere change of our attitude." - William James, 19th Century American psychologist and philosopher
I've noticed I
often take myself, my work, and my life way too seriously. I blow events out of
proportion, demand perfection, and generally behave as if my needs are at the
centre of everything.
I agonize over
small decisions, worry about personal interactions, wrestle with each word of a
simple e-mail, and wake up at night with my heart pounding in anticipation of
tomorrow's presentation or with angst about what happened today. Was I good
enough? How can I get this right for a change? Why did I say that?! The minutest detail is not too small to
escape scrutiny when I'm in this frame of mind - when life becomes very, very
serious.
When this happens,
I lose my self, my centre, and my perspective. I step out of the precious
present moment and into anxiety about the future or the past. I forget that
there's nothing I can control except right now, right here, this moment and my
availability to it.
Happily,
remembering this personal truth is what shifts me back into the present. I
begin to breathe again and slip seamlessly into the realization that right now,
at this moment, I am okay. Sanity returns as I focus on what is at hand.
Vibrant and Joyful
The martial art called aikido, practices
flowing and graceful movements belie the power behind them. Aikido is based on
principles such as centred response and utilization of energy, and it has
practical applications in the world of conflict resolution and self-management.
Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of aikido, called it the Art of Peace, and said
that we must "always practice the Art of Peace in a vibrant and joyful
manner." Aikidoists try to remember this as we throw each other around the
mat, smiling and having fun while we work to perfect our technique.
As we push on into
the first decade of this new century, it is likely that life will become even
more complex than it already is. Here
are some suggestions that might help when you become separated from your
perspective:
- Acknowledge -
Often all it takes to change your current stressed out state is to notice it.
As you bring your awareness back to the present moment, you regain a sense of
perspective and possibility.
- Centre - Breathe.
Smile. Be.
-Call someone and
talk about it, better yet laugh about it.
- Read a poem.
- Listen to music.
- Take a walk or go
for a run.
- Dream up some
practices of your own.
Use your growing
awareness to lighten up, smile, live and love in a vibrant and joyful
manner. And stop taking yourself so
seriously!
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