Turning It Over

Just to be very clear, when I use the word god, I mean it as shorthand for a higher power; the life force that imbues everyone and everything. I align with no religious philosophies or groups.

TIOTG

My practice when facing bewildering or stuck situations is to write it all down—my problems, concerns or whatever's bothering me—on a piece of paper. I fold up the paper and put it in a box. Simple, easy, fast, and allows me to carry on with my day, knowing that I have activated higher powers.

I really like Michael Neill's description of a useful approach to life: think positively as if it made a difference, and work hard as if positive thinking had no effect. So I write things down, turn it over to god (positive thinking), and get on with my day (working hard).

I certainly didn't invent this idea, but can tell you it works. I haven't yet won a lottery, but at least it gets the monkey of distracted worry off my back long enough to be somewhat productive. Even if you don't believe in higher powers, this simple act helps expend the energy we waste worrying and thinking negative (useless) thoughts.

Try it: Write down anything you feel you can't control or influence; where you're feeling powerless, stuck or frustrated. Write on a smallish piece of paper. When you've written all that bothers you (some days require several pieces), fold up the paper and put it in a box. The box can be an old shoe box under the bed, or a lovingly decorated 'worry box.' Leave those worries in there for years—you'll be amazed when you reread them. Things have a funny way of working out. Whether it's due to subconscious brain activation or magical higher powers, it's really cool how many things do turn out well.

Listening to Your Body

I awoke yesterday with a sore shoulder. It got worse throughout the morning but a lunchtime yoga session and sporadic stretching helped. By bedtime my shoulder was fine—problem solved.

It was an easy win because I paid attention and made useful interventions. But it got me thinking about how our body speaks to us. 

Physical alerts—injuries, aches or illness—remind us to check in with ourselves. The sore shoulder encouraged me to look at my posture: how I walk, sit and stand, especially when working at desks and using mobile devices. My sore shoulder reminded me to sit mindfully, take micro breaks and stretch often.

Physical alerts also remind us to check in with Spirit. A sore shoulder invites us to look at what we’re "shouldering." What are we taking on? Do we like or resent our responsibilities? Do we need to adjust any responsibilities or expectations?

Whose Life is It Anyway?

For my birthday I decided I wanted a day of luxury: that my husband would drive me to fun activities, reappear when I was done, pay, and then take me on to the next fun activity, which he'd pay for as well. I was imagining living that way—how great that would be... like a princess. Then it hit me—this is my children's life. Why do I allow my life to be full or stress, worry and recriminations, and not treat myself as well as I do my children?