Thinking A Mile A Minute- Minds on the Run

Another sleepless Sunday night, overwhelmed with stressful thoughts of the next week. “Pay these bills, beat the traffic tomorrow, I have to try harder for that promotion…” Our minds are racing with everyday stressors when in turn we forget about the one person who follows us from birth until death, ourselves.

It is important for everyone to take the time to channel our anxieties and discover the antidote. Each of us must break down our worries; financial, emotional, spiritual or otherwise, into simple forms. We often believe our problems are too big, that we can’t comprehend that the answer to our dilemmas can be so simple.

The first step to attacking our problems positively is to be ready to take a chance. One must make the choice to deprogram. Its time to take a breather, stop being so hard on yourself, and do a little something for you before you tackle these problems. A healthy meal full of leafy greens, a relaxing soak in the tub or a nice long walk are positive ways that cost little to nothing and are great relaxation techniques. Each one involves treating yourself just a bit, giving yourself a break from the ever nagging voice in your head.

Have you considered meditation? One of Buddha’s greatest quotes is “Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what hold you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom.” By giving yourself the gift of meditation, it can be the difference from tackling those nagging problems and running from them. For those on a tight budget, one can learn how to mediate by taking out recommended DVDs and books from the library, or visiting a local Buddhist temple.

Another key stressor for us is anger. Missing the big promotion, having an abusive boss or a marriage that is under peril are all examples of stressful experiences we may go through. It is important for us to channel our anger during mediation to find the answers we need. “Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one getting burned.” Buddha’s words are so powerful, but lets face it, letting go of pent up anger is nothing short of an art form. Needless to say, it is important for us to realize, that life is so short and everyday stresses are drops in the bucket of what your life is truly about and what path you have chosen to take. If life is a path, then mediation is the trusty pair of sneakers we use to give us the comfort from all those pebbles and stones.

One day long ago, I was in the United States and an advertisement to join the army came on television. It posed a question that stuck with me, “If your life was a book, could you guarantee that anyone would read it?” This struck me in a different way then intended. If we can’t face our stressors, and clear our minds with mediation and relaxation techniques, how will we ever be able to accomplish what we are set out on this earth to do? So I pose the same question, “If your life was a book, would you guarantee that someone would read it?” Don’t let your opportunities be overshadowed by the cemented weight of stress. Break free by giving yourself the gift of mediation. “Truth comes from within. Do not seek it without.”

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