Easy Does It

Each day we are all faced with challenging situations of one kind or another.  Some days are more difficult than others, but no matter what the situation, we should always try and take life easy.  In other words, you should try and quiet your mind and live in the present moment.

“The first step towards true enlightenment is to lighten up on yourself.” 

Bashar

So many times we find ourselves obsessing over things that may never happen.  We are in the middle of a pandemic and some of our fears are justified.  Even so, it is important to stay in the present, do not let yourself imagine negative situations that may never come to pass. In doing so, we will be more at peace and as a result, healthier. 

I remember when my son was an adolescent and a Physical Therapist found a lump on his femur.  My brain immediately went to bone cancer and all the horrible things that would come with that.  It turned out to be a benign growth that never had to be removed.  He is healthy and well today and all my worried thoughts were unnecessary. 

Lighten up while you still can, don’t even try to understand. Just find a place to make your stand, and take it easy.

Jackson Browne

To be clear, this is not always easy to accomplish.  When someone we love is in danger in any way, it sometimes seems our mind creates the worst possible scenario.  The challenge is in not allowing these thoughts to overtake us.  Allow them to pass through your mind and identify them as your fears, but also recognize they are not reality.  Live in the present moment with the knowledge you have right now.  Deal with the future when it comes.  

Ways we can take it easy:

• Do not think of tomorrow’s problems
• Think calming thoughts
• Intentionally decided to forget yesterday
• Speak gently
• Try and focus on the positive in those around us
• Breathe deeply
• Take a moment, close your eyes, and envision positivity and light
• Slow down
• Don’t let the turkeys get you down
• Take a nap, or just lie down

Many times, because of high expectations we have for ourselves, we create our own stress.  For example, you may want to exercise every day when you come home from work, but there are days when it is just too difficult.  You may find it difficult to accept the fact that you need a day off.  It is times like these, that you need to stay in the present and go easy on yourself. Taking a day off does not mean you will not get back at it tomorrow.  

When you feel yourself becoming uptight, nervous, angry, or worried, stop what you are doing.  If possible, remove yourself from the situation.  Bring your thoughts back to the present reality and breathe deeply.  Treat yourself as you would treat a friend and EASY DOES IT.