Are You Worried? 4 Steps to Peace of Mind
A friend has this quotation on his office wall: "I know worry works because nothing I worry about ever happens."I think I must believe that, because I worry a lot and about the most insignificant things. I worry about the big things, of course, like health, relationships, and finances. But Im also liable to fret about anything and everything that finds its way into my consciousness.
Because I spend so much time on worry, Ive decided to embrace it with a personal research project. Maybe youd like to join me.
Here are two avenues Im exploring:
1) I practice catching myself at it. "Hey, Im worrying again." During a recent morning swim, I caught myself worrying 10 times during one lap! Im not kidding. On rare days when I dont have anything to worry about, I find something. What Ive learned is that worry is a mental habit. I can change habits; Ive done it before. Theres hope.
2) My second approach is to practice presence. By this I mean stopping my thoughts. In my workshops, I ring a bell to help participants practice centering. The quieter we are, the longer we hear the bell. Theres a lovely moment when we all listen . . . until the ring is barely audible . . . then just a memory. I relish that moment of quiet before my thoughts reengage. There is no future or past, just Now. No worrying thoughts no thoughts at all. Its a peaceful place, which is why I stretch the moment. I want to strengthen the connection to something greater than my worries.
3) When I told my good friend Rosie about my worry project, she told me about her approach, which is to do one of three things: decide to address the issue right then; if you cant do anything about it at the moment, give yourself a time to address it later; or decide that it is not important and let it go. In other words, act on it, file it or throw it away.
4) Finally, one of Rosies favorite worry stoppers (and mine) is to sing. Connect with your self, your creativity, and the place where everything really is okay.
Awareness and acknowledgment are the keys to changing our habits. Morihei Ueshiba, who founded aikido and spoke of it as the Art of Peace, said we must "always practice the Art of Peace in a vibrant and joyful manner." Perhaps my research project on worry will help me to lighten up, smile, and live each day in such a way.
Are you worrying? Stop your thoughts for a moment. isten to the sounds around you, pay attention, and be present to this key moment. And smile . . . for no reason. You may find thats the best reason of all.
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