Topic Tuesday #28 2013/01/29 - "Inner Peace"
I can be described as an even keeled person. Generally calm and collected. But beneath the smooth exterior, there is fast running water. Turbulent thoughts and tumultuous emotions, just like anyone else. I just keep it to myself. I would like to say it is through some sort of a meditation process. A skill that can be acquired through practice. But alas, I cannot, as I have never been able to meditate. Why would I need to, some may ask. Because I sometimes have to calm myself down. You may never see it, but that is only because I have trained myself to hide it. I have found a few things that do help to ease the tension and relax.
*Exercise. Sometimes you just have to let it all out and vent your own internal frustrations with work. The effort will have the excellent effect of making you more fit, but will also tire you out, and force you to relax as you catch your breath, which happens to be the next one.
*Breathing. Just breathing. Concentrated effort on controlling your breathings will have a direct affect on your body. Taking active control over your autonomic functions gives you the psychological boost of being in control of yourself. The deep breathing will oxygenate your blood and naturally calm you as it also will increase dopamine production in the brain. As you are only focused on one thing, your body, you will naturally gain the benefits of that focus. The stress of the other items on your overwhelming agenda are on hold. You make yourself busy; engrossed with the most important thing to you, yourself.*Just stop. Sometimes that's all you need to do to calm down. Just stop whatever you are doing and count to 10 (or higher).
*Alcohol (or other medicinal derivatives). It bears mentioning. The best over the counter muscle relaxer available. Numerous side effects, the most critical is that of depressant. Sometimes that is what is needed. Many drugs have been prescribed for their side effects. Always use responsibly.
*Get away. Change your venue. Maybe the break room is the wrong place for your daily bread. Walk outside. Sit in the grass. Change the air you breath and the sights you see and you may change what's in your mind and weighing on your shoulders. It doesn't take long, but could mean an enormous difference.
*Smile. The body and mind are amazingly complex in their interactions. We are also easy to deceive. So easy, that you can trick yourself. Smile, for no reason. Happiness will start to take hold as you (as my wife likes to call it) fake it, till you make it. It may sound dumb, but smile. Others will smile too. Then you know that your simple artificial smile brings natural smiles to others, and then your smile is as real as theirs. Happiness is a choice, and everyone wants to be happy.
Lastly - Meditate. I can't-for some reason. BUT-I encourage you to try. In 2007 an associate of mine and I recorded a guided meditation session. I know that it works for some. His breathing exercise is certainly worth a try. Here it is for your pursuit of inner peace. Special thanks to CJ Sugita-Jackson and Healing Revolutions for continuing the long tradition of helping people find peace through whatever means necessary.