Keep your eyes on the prize: how to quiet the chatter and remain present

During a recent visit with my acupuncturist, I informed her that the chatter in my mind overwhelmed me. She treated me accordingly and I walked out of her office feeling calm, centered. As I drove home that evening, I contemplated how easy it is to become preoccupied by distractions that don’t serve or advance our purpose. How we get wrapped up in the news, TV, politics, social media or anything else that adds to the “chatter.” I’m not advocating ignorance: it’s important to remain educated on what’s taking place around us—near and far. And to get involved in whatever capacity we’re able. But here’s where we must be mindful: If we spend more time immersed in diversions, we begin to worry, play the comparison game, make excuses and turn inward. Live in our own little worlds. If we keep our eyes on the prize, however, it’s easier to quiet the chatter and remain present. To make a difference.

How do you keep your eyes on the prize?

Photo source: http://www.ideapod.com.

Anger slays: discovering a balm for calm

In a recent USA Today article, Ken Fisher offers 11 ways to protect your money and sanity as you age. His final tip is worth adopting regardless of age, income, social status, vocation or education level: “Remember that anger slays.” He references a psychologist buddy of his who taught him to live his actions as if he’d live forever and his emotions as if he knew he’d be dead in 30 days. This brought a huge peace of mind to Fisher and every time he’d anger, he’d ask himself if he’d waste time over “this” if he knew he had only 30 days to live. He never did. Of course, my husband told me about this article after I had become disproportionately angry over something so small in the larger scheme of things (isn’t that usually the case?). Anger does slay: relationships, progress, health, peace of mind. Ask yourself: will whatever it is matter if my days are numbered? Because they are.

What is your balm for calm?

Photo courtesy of Ben Schonewille at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Shhh… nobody is watching

A couple of days ago, a transaction at a local home improvement store—worthy of a mere minute or two—took long enough for several patrons behind me to lose their patience and switch lanes. Although the cashier explained to me I was in the wrong (then did not apologize when, in fact, she discovered I was right), I remained calm, respectful. Gracious. I’d like to think I was practicing my yoga breath outside of the hot room. Not too long afterward, I bumped into a gentleman at the grocery store who had witnessed the earlier checkout debacle and we laughed over the situation. But later that evening, I wondered, what if I had handled myself differently with the cashier—lost my composure? I think many times we can feel our frustration or anger is justified. Yet kindness, rather than a harsh response, most always does more to pacify. Ripples, my friends. Even when nobody is watching.

Are you quick with a hot temper or a cool demeanor?

Image courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Admit it: you can’t do it all

 

Contrary to the reflection you see in the mirror each day, you are not a super hero. At least not the kind who wears a cape and tights underneath your ‘regular’ clothes. Even when our plans are noble and involve lending a hand or going above and beyond, something else often suffers in the long run. It could be precious time with loved ones, an extra 30 minutes of Zzzzzs, a healthier snack alternative or the ultra-fine line between sanity and madness. My unsolicited advice? Whatever you question: Does it make you bitter or better? Do you feel angst because you missed out on BFF time, are you falling asleep at work, does your body lack proper fuel to propel you throughout the day or do you feel stressed rather than blessed? Recently I saw myself in the latter description and made a necessary change that, although not easy, ultimately replaced agitation with calm. And that’s better for everyone.

Is it time for you to make a change?

Image courtesy of Jeroen van Oostrom at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Word-of-the-month: halcyon (adj., n.)

[Image credit: Arvind Balaraman]

Memories from our childhood may bring to mind special traditions shared with family and friends during the holiday season — a halcyon time of year.  Today, however, many of us are unsettled and filled with stress.  Financial concerns, travel hassles, foul or unpredictable weather, health issues, missing loved ones who may as well live on the other side of the world or those who have passed on — all of these conditions are examples of what may turn a hopefully peaceful, reflective time into just the opposite.  Halcyon, an adjective (pronounced halsēən), means denoting a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and serene.  This is oftentimes best illustrated around the holidays, but could also denote family vacations or favorite pastimes.  Synonyms of halcyon include quiet, calm, placid, tranquil, still, untroubled and heavenly.  Used as a noun, a halcyon is a kingfisher (especially of the genus Halcyon) with brightly colored plumage.

May your holidays be the kind you look back on as being halcyon, healthy and memorable.

Word-of-the-month: phlegmatic (adj.)

[Image credit: Arvind Balaraman]

This month’s word is phlegmatic, pronounced fleg-‘ma-tik.  This is an adjective (used to describe a noun); derivatives include phlegmatical (adjective) and phlegmatically (adverb).  According to the The Free Online Dictionary, the definition of phlegmatic is 1) Of or relating to phlegm; phlegymy or 2) having or suggesting a calm, sluggish temperament; unemotional.  Synonyms include composed, unflappable, apathetic, indifferent, placid, impassive, undemonstrative and matter-of-fact.  Historically speaking, a person with this type of character was said to result from having an overabundance of phlegm.  For the sake of my post; however, the sample sentence is based on the second definition, which reads:  The typically energetic author appeared phlegmatic, showing no emotion upon hearing her book announced as a New York Times Bestseller.  

Do you consider yourself phlegmatic or unemotional when it comes to life?