Again, some of this stimulation is positive, and some is negative, however, when it reaches the form of “overload” none of it is beneficial because it becomes undue stress. When we can deal with the stimulation in a harmonious way, it can be energizing and useful, this is the difference between positive stress called eustress, and negative stress, or distress. Learning the art of balance, we become skilled at ways to filter what is needed, and what is not, therefore maximizing the positive, life-giving, vitalizing stress and reducing negative stress that drains our energy.
It only makes sense that the bombardment of stress and overload takes us away from what matters most, because we only have so much mental and physical energy to go around, to sustain us each day and each moment. The problem is that often we haven’t made clear to ourselves what truly matters most in our lives; until we become mindful of what is important, what really matters, it is also difficult to create the filters we need for well-being. Only then can we know what we need to get rid of, and what to keep in our moment to moment existence. When we aren’t clear on what truly matters, then we find ourselves bouncing like a ping pong ball from one bit of stimulation to the next. It is only until we find our center that we are truly able to reduce distractions and disharmony.
Living can be a truly creative process and in many ways we can learn lessons from the creative process utilized by artists and creators of all types, for example in music, art, writing, business, construction, and other areas of life probably since the beginning of systematized knowledge or before. Defining what matters and living that way is intelligent, creative, and also an instinctive and intuitive process, what is meant by “living from your center.”
A great tool for this creative purpose is the Life Balance Wheel. It has taken many forms, but at its simplest it is merely a circle with a dot at the center, divided into segments like a pie. The different segments represent a different area of one’s life for example such as spirituality, relationships, health/wellness, work, leisure, creativity, and so on. The circle can be segmented in various ways, whatever makes the most sense to you. However, the way to help define your purpose and live increasingly from the center is to ask yourself important questions about your values such as: “What are my core values, what are the things that matter most to me in the following particular area________________?” (Fill in the blank with one of the life topics).
So, for example, asking yourself the above question for the topic of intimate relationships, the following could be possible answers for defining core values: deep listening, heartfelt compassion, honoring one another, sharing, peace, mutuality, non-hierarchical relationship, giving one another space, working together toward goals, having fun together – these are merely examples, write down what is evocative, what matters to you personally! Based on this hypothetical list, for example, if you have found yourself not listening to your mate at an important time, you can come back to your center and realize in that moment you are not aligned with your core values (in this case, deep listening)and what’s meaningful and important to you, and take steps to get back in alignment. Make this a creative process by brainstorming: try different words, meditate on the process, create and envision new possibilities, and so on. When things enter your life that don’t align with your core values, then learn to draw boundaries and omit them. Living from your center means getting aligned with core values, what matters most. Living in this way helps to minimize cognitive dissonance, or internal conflict, and negative, life-draining stress.
No comments:
Post a Comment