"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 center 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 center, 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
I practice a martial art called aikido, whose flowing and graceful movements belie the power behind them. Aikido is based on principles such as centered 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.
- Center - 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!
--------------------
? 2005 Judy Ringer, Power & Presence Training
About the Author: Judy Ringer is Founder of Power & Presence Training, specializing in unique workshops on conflict, communication, and creating a more positive work environment. Judy is also a black belt in aikido, and is writing her first book on the connection between aikido, conflict, and living a more purposeful life. To sign up for more free tips and articles like these, visit http://www.judyringer.com
Note: You're welcome to reprint this article as long as it remains complete and unaltered (including the 'about the author' info at the end), and you send a copy of your reprint to http://www.judyringer.com.
efficient cleaning crew Highland Park ..There are times in all of our lives where our... Read More
When we were children, we were fearless. We would stick... Read More
"Work on your career and you'll make a living. Work... Read More
"If I have the belief that I can do it,... Read More
Your ability to forgive those who have hurt you in... Read More
"There is an infinitely worthier subject for philosophers (to study)... Read More
Wahms, do you constantly compare yourself with others and come... Read More
Have you ever thought about you have a lot to... Read More
Are you completely happy in your life right now? Honestly?... Read More
Have you ever dreaded an upcoming presentation, meeting or function... Read More
I don't know about you, but for me, the technological... Read More
Are you undergoing a major life change? Or merely trying... Read More
Thank you is such a beautiful phrase. When you say,... Read More
Getting motivated is sometimes easy enough to do, at least... Read More
There are countless books that describe success principles. Here are... Read More
I was a young girl aged 12, when the one... Read More
So...you might just believe I hide behind computers creating and... Read More
Did you know that the 911 equivalent in the UK... Read More
Near the end of December 2004, I received an email... Read More
Who are the Whiners? Whiners are the people who always... Read More
I believe that one of the best ways to stay... Read More
There is a wonderful story about the famous escape artist,... Read More
Most of us carry on a running internal dialogue at... Read More
Recently, I coached a young woman whom I'll call Mary... Read More
You wake up in the morning sleepy and fatigued; the... Read More
scheduled maid service Park Ridge ..Think for a moment about all of the signals people... Read More
With the probable exception of some basic instincts ? or... Read More
IntroductionWe can find all type of people in this world... Read More
Many of the books on this page were inspired by... Read More
Emotions are controlled by a combination of reason and action.... Read More
The summer I was 20 years old, I worked as... Read More
Hospital patient undergoing surgery recounts how Hero Soul provided strength,... Read More
Unhappy? Stressed out? Do you feel you not only want... Read More
This is the age of the Quick Fix - the... Read More
A day in your life is a brief and precious... Read More
Did you ever run into that person that just nags... Read More
If you think you are a loser, you train or... Read More
Once we understand the difference our attitude makes in our... Read More
We all know there are ways to become a better... Read More
Do you ever find yourself thinking, "Life has taught me... Read More
Facing a change and want to make it work for... Read More
Are you aware of your inner dialogue? If not, you... Read More
Gratitude is one of the most important things you can... Read More
How are you? That's a loaded question, and I'll tell... Read More
My story explains the struggles I had as a 23-year-old... Read More
Good morning I love you.This is a basic exercise, which... Read More
Spring is here at last! The season brings with it... Read More
I AM SO GRATEFUL for meeting challenges head-on. We see... Read More
Are you an optimist or a pessimist? Is the glass... Read More
Before we are able to use the Universal Thought System... Read More
Positive Attitude Tips |