Sailing the Sea of Joy

A friend of mine, Brenda Kitchen, wrote the following on Facebook:

Since 85% of self-talk is negative, make sure that you don't let the noise overwhelm you. Be kind to yourself, give yourself a break and shut down the chatter.

I have been reflecting on that for several days as I try to stay aware of my thoughts and actions. Shortly after reading her post, I heard Joel Osteen say that we should talk to our mind rather than letting our mind talk to us all the time. I agree. You cannot have joy in your home, your heart, or your mind if you allow the 85% negative talk run your emotions and your life. How is it that so much negativity comes to inhabit our gray matter? Much of it is deeply ingrained from our upbringing---the kind that requires a lot of work to reprogram; however, much more comes from the daily interaction with others and media sources---both within our control. I want to share some of the ways I have edited the continual input from society. I have stopped watching the daily news. Instead, I have programmed my phone to deliver breaking news from my local newspaper. If there is anything about which I need to know more, then, I have the option to go online and receive that information only. On my laptop I have the Google Desktop for quick weather updates. I get my world news in a positive format from Ode and Utne Reader magazines (they also have a website). Religion and Ethics has an excellent presentation of current news and issues on your local PBS channel every Sunday. They also have a website. If you find others, please share them with me. I am always looking for ways to limit what goes into my mind. As for our daily interactions with people, just know we cannot control anyone, but we can limit our contact with those who are at a different place in their development. Sometimes we can change the interaction by remaining positive and upbeat, but when that does not work, try limiting contact.

Guard your mind. It is your greatest health resource. Until next time, enjoy home and guard what comes into it!

Caring

As I was leaving for work I saw my neighbor and asked how he was doing. After a bit of hesitation he replied, "I'm alive." I have noticed his car does not leave its spot for days, and he is likely out of work. We are a nation of people who define self by what we do. Aside from the practical side of working---to pay the bills, work gives us a sense of contributing to the world, of being alive. When we are in the throes of despair we never want to hear what is good about our lives, but being alive is a good upon which we build all other good. Any good, no matter how long it takes in coming, can come our way if we are not present to receive it. In this home called Mother Earth, let's help in any little way possible to make being alive a joyous event for those we meet on the journey.

During this Easter season, let us try to remember that we all have a cross lurking. Some of us feel nailed to it. Some of us are in fear of the shadow it casts. The fortunate few have found resurrection and now live fully no matter the circumstances. Reach out to others in times of crisis. A strong support system is more valuable than any possession. If you perceive that you are nailed, let the strength and compassion of others help you down, wrap you in their love and nurture you until your circumstances change. If it becomes necessary to move into more humble accommodations or to move in with others, practice your daily rituals as much as possible until your full sense of home is again realized. Let us all pray for each other. These times are difficult to understand, but I believe the lessons are innumerable and rich. Fear is paralyzing. Trying to face a crisis alone (ego, pride) helps to feed the fear monster, which keeps us from discovering solutions. Offer a smile and an encouraging word to anyone with whom you interact. It could make the difference in some one's resurrection.