The problem isn't stress!!! - (No Joke - even if funny)
Go ahead and call me a fool but I can prove this statement "the problem isn't stress!"
You may question my sanity but the plain fact is that stress is a fact of life and if you deny that then we have to deal with a new problem (called denial).
So, I am no fool to recognize and accept this fact. And the truth being said, "the real problem is that we need quick, simple, inexpensive, and especially effective, ways to counter the stress response. This response occurs from all types of physical, mental and emotional forces in or lives and we often live in this state for much longer than we should eventually manifesting itself in our own discomfort, loss of energy, time and sometimes affects our health, wealth and living.
How do I know if I am living in this stress response? Tell me - do you feel like you are on vacation or do you notice quick thoughts, heartbeat or breathing?
Our modern lives have evolved faster than or inherent human traits so we respond to modern stress as th caveman responded to stress in his body- the racing heart, breath and thoughts as the body goes to alert and remains there. But our ancestors also had time to rest and break the cycle of racing thoughts, breathing and heartbeat. We modern people often feel we have to little time and monies to do something for our well-being as we prioritize other things ahead of ourselves.
I know that exercise may be one of the best way of all to help deal with the stress of modern life even if it may reintroduce our bodies to other types of stressors.
But inducing the anthesis, the killer, of this stress response takes little time and little effort because all we are doing is learning a mental trick to relax the mind which in turn relaxes the body which in turn reduces our physical and mental stress response giving us back our power of relaxed control and focus again.
For many years I worked overseeing Clinical trials of new medications in patients having to record any noteworthy events that occurred to any of or study participants.
This was a very stressful job as it was a very small office and my employment required I do everything except for what was required by the doctor (Primary Investigator) You talk about stress, after 3 months my hair committed suicide. But then I started utilizing these simple techniques that helped me create a more relaxed and efficient environment at work and at home even while my partner was dying of AIDS.
There are many labels of visualization and many forms of meditation but to me they are one in the same and serve the same purpose. The most common misconception of mediation is that one is trying to clear the mind of thought and this is so untrue because our minds do not stop. The trick is to try not to "attach" to the thought but if you do it is OK just return back to your focus. Experienced mediators, like Buddhist Master and Teacher Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, admit that even after years, a lifetime, of meditation he still experiences at least 17 thoughts during a 20 minute meditation.
But we do not need that long at all the slow and even stop our stress response simply by following a simple routine and all you need is a minimum of 30 seconds.
All meditation has a focus or something that we visualize within our minds. Sadly we cannot do this in a car but maybe you could, at home or office, visualize yourself being at peace while stick in rush hour traffic. The focus can be anything from having stronger personal traits, interpersonal skills, a garden or my favorite- the eternal vacation. Because in my employment I didn't take vacations until forced because of the demands and responsibilities it required. I would visit another spot each time I utilized a little mediation break. After 5 years I had traveled 3 times around the world and it lasted 6 years in total.
Even 30 seconds on the beaches of the Cancun,
So now remember that thoughts will happen and try not to attach to them and if you do it is OK because there is no judgment when we do this because we are humans with incredible minds. I also had my secret garden (with my secret friends) and also gained strength in traits I felt weak in.
Here are the steps I follow:
1) pick my focus object, place or desire
2) sit or lie in a comfortable position hands resting in my lap or in each
other
3) close my eyes,
4) take a deep breath in and focus on the point where the air enters my body (a
momentary focus point to make us aware of or body while slowly breathing in and
out) I take 3 breaths focsing on the sensation of the air as it rushes pat the
tip of my nose (or lips if nose is stuffed up)
5) go to my focus I had set in the beginning
6) do this for a minimum of 30 seconds
7) return to the breathing and the point where it enters your body for another
1-3 breaths.
It can be difficult to stop the thoughts but in the very beginning I visualized a large aquarium with every color of fish and that as thoughts arose they were just another colorful fish going by. And often I get lost in that thought and just return to my focus. This not only helped me deal with stress but also helped me identify errant, destructive and non-productive thoughts my bipolar mind would throw at me and give me a little modicum of control over the most debilitating ones.
So I believe I have proved that stress isn't the problem, exercise although very beneficial isn't required and we can all gain some modicum of control, relaxation and empowerment in our lives and employment.
much love
M. DeWayne Benson
Poet, Comedian, Writer and Poz Speaker
*poetry can be seen at www.poetry.com
.......under name Milton D Benson
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