|
|
I always take a book with me when a waiting room is my destination. But this week even the compelling text of "Sin and Syntax" couldn't hold my attention to the page. Three people--a couple and their friend--were discussing the personal ramifications of the economy. There were rumbles in hubby's company ... the possibility that he might lose his job.
"I'm not worried about it," he said nonchalantly.
"He doesn't have to," his wife interjected. "I do that for him."
"Of course," said the friend.
"Of course," echoed the husband.
"Or course," confirmed the wife.
This veritable chorus of courses sent me into Dr. Seuss mode and I almost burst into rhyme, but was cut off by hubby's next comment.
"In fact, she does the worry thing so well, I wouldn't even attempt it. I'd feel so inferior to her."
They all laughed. My face smiled. But the rest of me felt uneasy.
My friend, Cheryl, once commented that you have to eat french fries while they're hot-otherwise you realize what they are. That's how I'm starting to feel about worry. Unexamined, it's a big, collective Of Course. Most people nod themselves silly when you talk about your worries. But if it's so acceptable, how come everyone tries to keep everyone else from doing it? "I didn't want to worry you." "Don't worry about it." "No worries." "Don't tell her-she might worry."
Worry, it turns out, is a pretty good candidate for the phrase, "a lie agreed upon." What you get with the green eggs of worry is not ham, but a side of spam. |
1.Realization: Worry is nothing more than an addiction of the mind. In a recent interview in Unity Magazine, author Eckhart Tolle said, "Worry is pointless. A solution never comes out of worry." Well, at least not a good one. Worry by its very nature closes instead of opens. Repeats instead of discovers. Agitates rather than calms. Of course.
2.Observation: Worry only attracts more things to worry about. Think about the worry pros in your life. (Perhaps you are chief among them.) When are they not worried? When do you hear one of them say, "Yeah, I'm taking a break from worry for a few days. It's gettin' on my nerves." Worry, while I don't think it actually gives you warts, does generate more worry.
3.Demonstration: Try enjoying a luscious cup of tea while worrying. Here's what will happen: the cup will be empty, the tea gone, but you won't remember much past the first sip. The taste of mint or chai may still be in your mouth, but the pleasure is lost. Worry is by nature a mentally-invented future. You can't be there and here at the same time.
4.Reflection: Several years ago, a vicious flu was running rampant, even taking the lives of some young children. Just before I got into bed one night, the phone rang. My first grand-born had a high fever. I tossed more than a few turns in the dark. Should I call my children back and urge them to take our darling to the emergency room? Instead, I took a piece of advice from Tolle's book, "The Power of Now" to move away from my mind and check in with my body. My gut was blissfully unperturbed. I realized this was a democratic situation: I could vote mind or vote gut. I did the latter and slept soundly until morning.
5. Antidotes: -- Check in with your body. If there's a disagreement between mind and body, go with your gut, heart, or any other body part you have reason to trust. If there's agreement between the two ... -- Step into the lobby of Hotel Present. Where is the worrisome thing happening? a) Is it actually happening right now in physical reality? If so, worry doesn't apply. Take a deep breath and say, do, or choose what's best. Or b) Does the worrisome thing exist only as a horror flick inside your head? If so ... -- Get a Room. Focus on this moment. This reality. Your breathing. Feelings without the words. The dazzling crimson tree outside your window. The dinner you're making with your own hands. Your heartbeat. The light on your friend's face. What is true right now? -- Don't miss what's true right now. |
Why Worry When You Can Hum?
"Why worry when you can pray?" was a query frequently displayed on the church bulletin boards of my youth. However, I tended to pray about things I was ... well, worried about. So for true worry release, I recommend the wordless prayer of humming. It can be done anywhere and consistently calms. Spirit knows how to translate. So next time you're worried, try it. It's a democratic situation. Vote humming.
|
|
FREE Consultation
I am an author, editor, writing coach and ghost writer. I would love to contribute to your book, website copy, marketing materials, reports, articles or any other writing you'd like help with. Let's sit down, enjoy a cup of coffee, and share ideas. Please feel free to email me: maridelbowes@gmail.com.
| |
