How many times have you heard that?! Why do our loved ones think we can do that? J Perhaps they think we can because they can. I often hear the lament, "Why can't I be like my wife/husband. Nothing bothers him." We may never "be like" those seemingly, naturally calm people in our lives, but they are there for a reason. We can learn from them. Instead of complaining about them... let's look at them and learn what we can copy/emulate. (Not recommending the "12 pack method".)
I am reading and recommending, HOW TO CALM DOWN... Three Deep Breaths to Peace of Mind, by Fred L. Miller. This little book is well worth the $10 it costs. We are offering it from the Center but must charge for shipping($3.20)
An excerpt: "When my mom's life wasn't going her way, she would say, "That person [situation] makes me nervous." Then her voice would hitch up a little higher, her words would tumble out a bit faster, and a hint of hysteria would creep in. while watching her get annoyed on the outside and miserable on the inside, I would think, "Mom, calm down." But saying those words to her would have been like telling my dog Cookie not to dig in the backyard... useless. Agitation was ingrained in Mom's nature.
... As an adult searching for ways to quiet the mind chatter going on inside me, I discovered that all the mind needed was something to keep it busy. Then I arrived at an exercise that worked more often than it didn't... "
This little book is chock full of hints and helps. I want to share one with you so you can experiment with it this month. Let me know how it works for you.
"QUIETING THE MIND BY COUNTING BACKWARDS
Here you are going to count backward from fifteen to zero with your eyes closed. Read through the instructions first so you'll know what to do. This exercise will take less than one minute." [ Sounds good to we impatient people- one minute? ]
"* Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Then take three deep breaths to calm down and clear your mind.
continued...
