 "Have a peaceful day." I find myself saying, writing, thinking and wishing for peace frequently through the day--for myself and those I interact with. Every once in a while, however, I encounter someone who seems to have the opposite agenda. I can feel my mind and body resisting this person, removing myself from their vicinity as soon as possible. For the record, I have no interest in the purchase or endorsement of the 2017 Toyota Corolla. In fact, I'm quick to mute all commercials, usually filled with repetition and increased volume. This advertisement pulled me right in, no doubt due to the message in the song...  I understand that no one has the right to occupy a place in my mind, unless I give my explicit permission. Administratively speaking, I have the right to fire someone from their insinuation into in my world. I have a choice as to whether an explanation is offered (or not) to this person.  Click the image to get it from amazon.com There are times, however, that I need to remind myself of the very counsel that I offer to others. This small, pocket-sized book by Barbara Ann Kipfer is filled with reminders, affirmations and suggestions on how to maintain my ongoing feeling of peacefulness. Here are a few tips that are helping me through a current situation. I tend to become preoccupied and distressed at the very idea of negativity, so these are helpful in bringing me back to my personal core of calm and peace: ⧫ Return to your breathing each time your mind wanders. ⧫ Whatever is not yours, abandon it. ⧫ Let go of the battle. ⧫ Keep the bigger perspective in mind, not getting caught in life's little whirlpools. ⧫ Remember that unpleasant feeling will pass. Notice rather than react. ⧫ You would have peace if you did not concern yourself with the sayings and doings of others. ⧫ When someone insults you or behaves violently towards you, you have to be intelligent enough to see that the person suffers from his or her own violence and anger. ⧫ The world spins without your help, people do what they do, and your life will run its course one way or the other. You can decide not to get angry, upset or anxious about things over which you have no power. You can choose to live your life with integrity, compassion, mindful observance and a healthy sense of humor. ⧫ Enjoy the relaxation you feel when you retrain your mind and banish anger. Feel the inner spaciousness. Each of these points is worthy of thoughtful contemplation. Each reminds me of my personal power to opt for peace, including the eviction of negative people from my mind and world. How about you? I welcome any thoughts or strategies you employ in your pursuit of inner peace. In closing, I also wanted to share the original song by Lesley Gore, You Don't Own Me. ShoutOutsUntil next week, be conscious of who you rent space in your head to!
Hugs, mar
22 Comments
Mike
2/8/2017 11:27:10 am
Hello mar - Your Wednesday musing is packed with wisdom. I am not sure everyone seeks inner peace. There are packs of menaces that roam around creating chaos. I guess the smart ones find a place in their heads and call it their own.
Maria, Nothing less than your infamous inspiration once again. I not only agree with you,my inner peace-loving amiga,I put in the effort. Unlike your generous self, however, I rarely attempt, these days, to pass on my secrets & discoveries. "Evicting negative people from our minds and world" at this point is a twenty-four hour job. It's tough to avoid the hate-filled messages which have become increasingly prevalent on social media, online sites and even in the news. It is beyond comprehension that we have become this angry with our fellow human beings. Your advice is sage and much needed in these times.
Dear Mar,
Genna East
2/8/2017 05:12:18 pm
These are sage words of wisdom, dear Maria, and at a time when we need them the most. Thank you for sharing you, my friend. :-)
Dilon
2/9/2017 01:41:27 pm
My Precious Maria, 2/13/2017 05:32:06 pm
Prof. Mahreer,
Audrey Hunt
2/28/2017 07:41:10 pm
This is exactly what I needed. Great pearls of wisdom. I've given to much permission more times than I should No more! I feel empowered. Thank you.
Shauna
3/9/2017 02:23:23 pm
Excellent post, Mar! Personally, I avoid negative people like the plague. Now that I'm older, I find I allow much more to roll off my back than when I was younger and more impressionable. I simply consider the source, realize their problem is with themselves - not me - and refuse to acknowledge the attack or insinuation. I find myself much less stressed these days. Leave a Reply. |
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