OT:
Just some "food" for thought...this was an archived article off my weekly health and wealth newsletter from a cple of weeks ago..I was rereading it this morning and wanted to share it with the group as it has alot of great information!
For anyone who hasn't subscribed and would like to receive the newsletter, go to:
rexall.com
then click on "free newsletter"
<> YOUR WEALTH
What You Perceive, You Achieve
A Discussion With "Don't Let Your Mind Stunt Your Growth"
Author Bryan Robinson
Bryan Robinson learned from years in private practice and from his own
experience that we all have the power to look at things in different ways.
The realization of this simple but profound truth led him to want to help
people look at the world through fresh eyes. We spoke with Bryan Robinson on
his "reframing" approach that is the basis of "Don't Let Your Mind Stunt
Your Growth."
* How do people let their minds stunt their growth?
One of the biggest problems common to most of us is an inability to
recognize we have the power to look at things differently. You can never
control the environment, the world or other people. A lot of pain and
heartache comes from the events in life over which you have no control. If
you can reframe your experiences to see them in a new and different way, you
can experience a shift that will make your life more positive.
* What are some techniques for changing our outlook?
One technique I mention in the book is to look at your daily life through
"fresh eyes," as if you're seeing things for the first time. When you do
this it's magical. It actually transforms how you feel about your life. I
had an opportunity to do this when I first visited Venice. I remember how
overwhelmed I was with the wonderful aromas, the sound of the romantic
music, the sight of the gondoliers and the beautiful architecture. But the
next day I noticed there was graffiti on the walls, and the day after that I
noticed garbage in the canal. Toward the end of the week I was so sick of
Italian food, the dust and the crowds, I was ready to get out of that place.
What changed? Venice was still the same wonderful, romantic city it was the
day I arrived. Something inside me had switched. I realized that I had to
switch back and see it the way I had originally seen it.
Another technique is to take something tragic or negative and find the grain
of positive in it. That doesn't mean when you lose someone, for example --
if someone dies or there's a divorce -- that you shouldn't grieve that loss.
Every ending has a beginning, yet most of us only focus on the ending. Fall
ends and turns into winter; winter turns into spring. Mourn the ending but
also embrace the beginning and ask, "What's starting here?"
* How do our perceptions affect us?
You bring your past with you into the present. Everything that happens to
you is filtered through your history. As an example, two years ago I was in
Asia and I immersed myself in the culture. I didn't realize how influenced I
was, though, until I came back home and dropped by a colleague's office. I
noticed she was also interested in Oriental culture because she had a book
on her desk titled "Tea Ching." Then she moved a stack of papers that had
been partially covering the book's title and I saw it actually read,
"Teaching in the Elementary School." My assumption caused me to immediately
see her in a way she was not. Sometimes a fresh experience is contaminated
by what we think we see or hear, when that's not what it is at all.
Your perceptions can also shift over time. This often happens in marriage.
The very things that attracted a couple to each other in the first place
become seen as negatives. Maybe you were attracted to someone because that
person is fun to be with and light-hearted and devil-may-care. After you've
been in the marriage for a few years, however, that light-heartedness starts
to look like irresponsibility. By shifting your perception to the positive
and focusing on the whole person instead of just the individual flaws, you
give yourself an opportunity to transcend the negative.
* Your book has a plan for a more harmonious life. Please describe some of
its components.
Make Thoughtful Choices
Each of us is making choices every second. You need to take responsibility
for your life and the choices you make instead of blaming other people or
circumstances, because when you do, you give up your power. It's important
to say, "I'm powerful" and "I'm responsible for my life."
Be in Harmony with the Uncontrollable
Put yourself in harmony with your surroundings. You have no control over
Mother Nature or most of the things that happen to you. If you get angry
because you're stuck in traffic, you are damaging yourself with negative
emotions. It also doesn't help you get out of the traffic any sooner. It's a
Western concept to change the environment to fit our needs. The Eastern view
has always been to not disturb the environment but to live in harmony with
it. As the old expression goes, "When you're treed by a bear, enjoy the
view."
Be Willing to Change
Willingness to change is critical. Nothing changes without it. We're at a
disadvantage, though, because the human mind does not like change. Most of
us hold on to what we're used to. It takes some effort to keep an open mind
and see a situation as it really is -- not the way you think it is -- but
the results are worth it.
Treat Yourself with Love and Respect
It's important to see your "tall-comings" as well as your shortcomings. Many
of us tend to be self-critical and look at the negative aspects of who we
are. Allow the nurturing part of yourself to have a voice.
You have the power to be happy and change the way you look at the world.
It's not about pretending everything is great and hoping you'll come to
believe it. It's about realizing that you can allow your mind to be free to
look at the world through fresh eyes. This renewed perspective can help you
create the happy life you desire.
http:www.rexall.com/livingsmart |
