Thinking the Right Kind of Thoughts…

As you know stress, especially in today’s world, is high enough to cause significant health damage.

As human beings stress has its purpose but it must be managed properly. Let me give you an example. After listening to the morning news, all I can think is, “How incompetent the Congress is to (cause, allow, condone, neglect) the economic meltdown the country is facing.” Now, that is a negative thought with no outlet. Who am I going to complain to? George Bush? Nancy Pelosi? Harry Reed? My local Congressman? Will complaining make a difference? Will it make anything any better?

Mind – Body Wellness: What to think about.

Here is a clue: Let me start with my own environment and work on recession proofing my income, my lifestyle. It’s actually easy for me because I have a different context to draw from that many of you. I lived for almost 30 years in 3rd world countries. From the streets of Dacca, Bangladesh in 1976, I gained a different perspective on my own country, the USA.

I know this to be a land of opportunity. How you ever seen housing prices plummet so fast? What about stocks? This has become a buyers market. Everything is on sale! Ask Warren Buffet. He’s buying everything he can get his hands on at twenty cents on the dollar. What opportunities are out there because of the difficulties the country is facing! It’s called turning lemons into lemonade.

I went to a seminar last weekend about real estate. I met a man in the room, a participant. He was bidding $1,000 per contract on foreclosed homes. Some banks are giving them away. So opportunities abound, if you know where to look.

Now I am going to compound that negative thought and make it worse. “Did you know that as United States Senators, their pensions are guaranteed and not affected by Wall Street? Now, I know it makes me mad to hear this. Yet they will go after private folks income, pensions, property without blinking.

Thoughts lead to feelings. Feelings lead to Actions. Actions Lead to Results.

Let’s work backwards: I don’t like the results I am getting, Let me do something different. To set on a new course of action, I will need a new action plan, therefore I need to think differently. I can’t tell you all that is involved in changing preconditioned thinking.

But if I say, “Ignorance is ….”

You will say “Bliss.”

If I say, “Money is the root of ….”

You will say “All Evil.” (Even though we all need money and lots of it to thrive.)

If I say, “Time is…”

You will say, “Money.”

We could do this for hours. But the point is we are conditioned by our upbringing and our society to think in a certain way. It may not be the correct way. It may not be really the truth. It may not be right.

One idea can change the world. One thought can put a man on the moon. One bit of relaxation can right the ship.

So here is the article that I thought was so noteworthy before I started rambling.

Meditation for Women (or men) Who Hate to Sit Still

Judith Boice, ND

editation is good for us — it can relieve tension by shifting brain activity away from the stress-prone right frontal cortex and into the calmer left frontal cortex. But some people have trouble finding time to meditate — or just can’t seem to sit still.
Solution: Combine exercise and meditation through rhythmic, repetitive motions, such as walking, swimming or rowing, so you simultaneously strengthen the body and soothe the mind.

Bonus: “Meditation in motion” makes exercise easier, because while you do it, you won’t be thinking about tired muscles or tasks that await after your workout. Begin with walking meditation…

Pick a spot. Find a secluded outdoor area where you won’t feel self-conscious… or an empty hallway where you won’t bump into furniture.

Begin walking. Start slowly, focusing on the rhythm of your heels striking the ground and your toes pushing off. Keep your eyes open for safety, but don’t get distracted by the sights around you.

Recite a mantra. Choose or invent a rhythmic chant, such as “I am one with the world, I am filled with peace.” Repeat it over and over, out loud or in your mind, melding its rhythm with the movement of your feet. I recommend not listening to music — it may distract you from your mantra.

Try to stay focused. At first you may succeed for only a few minutes before thoughts of daily life intrude. Work your way up to a 30-minute session daily.

Meditate at the gym. Once you’ve mastered walking meditation, try the technique while using a treadmill or elliptical machine or while swimming laps.

end of article

I would just add, that your meditation can be in the form of an intention. A powerful thought that can start in your conscious mind and through using the above technique seep down into your being. “Everyday in every way I am getting better and better.” I have done this for years sometimes applying it to health, sometime applying it to wealth. It keeps me tuned up and in tune with actions and decisions I am empowered to make. Why? Because I am thinking the right kind of thoughts that serve me and the greater good.

Yours, Garey

http://OptimalHealthRSQ.com