Ivy Keating's Blog - Posts Tagged "mindful"
Positivity
Have you ever noticed that we're quick to acknowledge when something bad happens, even if it's something small? Yet, many positive things go on during the day that we never pay attention to.
Did you know there may be a biological reason for this?
Psychiatrist and neuroscientist Paul Maclean postulated the "Triune Brain Theory." He believed the human brain developed in three separate parts. He gave the name "reptilian," or "reptile brain," to the first section. Later research disproved the idea that our brains grew in sections. However, his research continues to have cultural significance.
The reptilian brain (early man's brain) controls the body’s biological functions and our fundamental needs. It acts on impulse. To survive, we had to focus on negative incidents in order to protect ourselves. If a group of people were out picking berries and one of them gets sick, it would be imperative to remember which berries are harmful. Good things could be taken in stride because they can happen over and over and we would still be safe.
In today's world, only recognizing the negative is problematic. It can make us feel anxious and depressed.
Take, for example, a writer who is in the process of trying to publish their novel. They send out their manuscript to 30 publishing houses, and today they received one rejection. The tendency is to remember the one rejection--not the light traffic, the sunny weather, or the money they saved on a sale item. Sure, in this case, the rejection letter may carry more weight, but it will be helpful to balance this negative by taking note of the positives. Dwelling on the rejection would prolong the disappointment.
Challenge yourself to be mindful when something goes your way, even the little things. This new focus should promote positivity and improve one's mental health!
Did you know there may be a biological reason for this?
Psychiatrist and neuroscientist Paul Maclean postulated the "Triune Brain Theory." He believed the human brain developed in three separate parts. He gave the name "reptilian," or "reptile brain," to the first section. Later research disproved the idea that our brains grew in sections. However, his research continues to have cultural significance.
The reptilian brain (early man's brain) controls the body’s biological functions and our fundamental needs. It acts on impulse. To survive, we had to focus on negative incidents in order to protect ourselves. If a group of people were out picking berries and one of them gets sick, it would be imperative to remember which berries are harmful. Good things could be taken in stride because they can happen over and over and we would still be safe.
In today's world, only recognizing the negative is problematic. It can make us feel anxious and depressed.
Take, for example, a writer who is in the process of trying to publish their novel. They send out their manuscript to 30 publishing houses, and today they received one rejection. The tendency is to remember the one rejection--not the light traffic, the sunny weather, or the money they saved on a sale item. Sure, in this case, the rejection letter may carry more weight, but it will be helpful to balance this negative by taking note of the positives. Dwelling on the rejection would prolong the disappointment.
Challenge yourself to be mindful when something goes your way, even the little things. This new focus should promote positivity and improve one's mental health!
Positive Energy
Holidays are coming and this is the perfect time to look after yourself. The fact is, we're not at our best when we feel overwhelmed. The more confident we are, the more productive we can be. So how can we get back to having positive energy, when so many things are demanding our attention?
The best trick for making everything stop, is to practice being mindful. Mindful is being in the moment. It's when you only think about what is happening right in front of you. If you're at work, be in the moment at work. If you're writing a naughty or nice list--write the list. Give yourself the comfort of being submerged in one thing. And if you need a distraction from your daily responsibilites, be mindful in an enjoyable activity--preferably one that requires concentration.
Next, give yourself a list. I usually do not like lists, but if you find things are more chaotic than usual--put the have-tos in writing. Then you can get the satisfaction of checking off your accomplishments.
And finally, give yourself self affirmations. You do not need to wait for others to tell you what a great job you're doing. You're opinion of yourself is what counts. Saying to yourself, "Great job!" or "Proud of you!" can give you the boost you need.
For those who are celebrating, I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!
The best trick for making everything stop, is to practice being mindful. Mindful is being in the moment. It's when you only think about what is happening right in front of you. If you're at work, be in the moment at work. If you're writing a naughty or nice list--write the list. Give yourself the comfort of being submerged in one thing. And if you need a distraction from your daily responsibilites, be mindful in an enjoyable activity--preferably one that requires concentration.
Next, give yourself a list. I usually do not like lists, but if you find things are more chaotic than usual--put the have-tos in writing. Then you can get the satisfaction of checking off your accomplishments.
And finally, give yourself self affirmations. You do not need to wait for others to tell you what a great job you're doing. You're opinion of yourself is what counts. Saying to yourself, "Great job!" or "Proud of you!" can give you the boost you need.
For those who are celebrating, I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Earth Day
Earth Day is a celebration of our planet and what we can do to protect it. Often, when we think of the environment, we think about tangible resources, like water supply and air quality. But, nature is also one of the best resources at our disposal for our mental health!
Years ago, as summer turned to fall, I found myself appreciating the beautiful forests around my home. I started to wonder what was out there that we haven't discovered, and this is when I started writing my science-fiction novel, 'Camouflage'. 'Camouflage' is a Sci-Fi-Mystery-Thriller, but it's also a love story to the New England landscape. The more I looked at the scenery, the more I appreciated its beauty. I realized the mindful moments I spent strolling Quarry Head Park, in the name of research, were enjoyable for numerous reasons. The deep woods gave me a fright! I wondered, "what unknown creatures were lurking in it?" Sitting on the wood bench and catching a glimpse of Long Island sound was breathtaking. The breeze on my skin was cool enough to invigorate, yet I felt calm and grounded. Colorful flowers, trees, and precious wildlife, piqued all my senses.
So, this Earth Day, take a mindful moment outdoors. Watch the birds, stroll through a park, listen to a babbling brook, or find inspiration for a novel about prehistoric creatures! When we recognize all the environment gives us, it's easy to look for ways to return the favor.
Years ago, as summer turned to fall, I found myself appreciating the beautiful forests around my home. I started to wonder what was out there that we haven't discovered, and this is when I started writing my science-fiction novel, 'Camouflage'. 'Camouflage' is a Sci-Fi-Mystery-Thriller, but it's also a love story to the New England landscape. The more I looked at the scenery, the more I appreciated its beauty. I realized the mindful moments I spent strolling Quarry Head Park, in the name of research, were enjoyable for numerous reasons. The deep woods gave me a fright! I wondered, "what unknown creatures were lurking in it?" Sitting on the wood bench and catching a glimpse of Long Island sound was breathtaking. The breeze on my skin was cool enough to invigorate, yet I felt calm and grounded. Colorful flowers, trees, and precious wildlife, piqued all my senses.
So, this Earth Day, take a mindful moment outdoors. Watch the birds, stroll through a park, listen to a babbling brook, or find inspiration for a novel about prehistoric creatures! When we recognize all the environment gives us, it's easy to look for ways to return the favor.
