As we begin opening the windows and letting in the fresh air, take a moment to also let in alternative ways of thinking about our lives. Seasonal shifts can remind us to shift our mindsets and minor adjustments can make a significant impact.
In my work as a Clinical Psychologist, I notice that I’m often collecting bits of wisdom from others and gathering tidbits for my mental filing cabinet. The notes section on my phone is chock full of sentiments expressed on podcasts, books, and in conversations with insightful others.
For example, I recently participated in an on-line course focused on living the Buddha way in daily life, feeling drawn to improving my awareness and focusing on the basic foundations of wisdom, kindness, and generosity. The initial discussion highlighted how people often struggle through the “muddy waters” to get to the clearer/calmer space. They then highlighted, though, what if the real life IS the muddy waters? The gem I gleaned from this concept was summarized beautifully in the following quote — “May we live in muddy waters with purity like a lotus.”
The other morning, a daily newsletter I subscribe to included an essay that challenged how we typically measure our “quality of life,” and that we very well may be looking at the wrong factors. The binary yardsticks of good/bad are problematic and the writer focused on finding meaning in our lives even during times of struggle. When unexpected things happen, pausing to reflect and simply pay attention to what is happening is likely more useful than just giving in to an automatic reaction of distress.
All of these practices are easier said than done! Yet with the seasons changing, school year ending, and summer mode beginning, this time of year can serve as a prompt to perhaps take an inventory of what thinking styles we possess that may benefit from being tweaked or altered. The psychologists at Parkhurst Associates are in the neighborhood to offer guidance, support, and skill building for such endeavors.
