Finding The Neutral
How many of us are familiar with having one of those “Murphy’s Law” kind of days? You know that day where just about anything and everything that can go wrong, will go wrong? As kids, Alexander warned us all about those terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days. (And if you don’t own that adorable children’s book, I invite you to take a peek at it.) Those super crappy days are a totally real thing. And you know what? IT’S OKAY!
For me, last week was a whole week of survival mode. From flat tires to tropical storms and everything in-between. Typically, when many of us are experiencing a “Murphy’s Law” day, week, month, or year, it is fair to admit that we can each be quick to let our ego take the wheel, causing fear, frustration, and panic. Personally, I am no stranger to anxiety-soaked meltdowns filled with tears and a victim mentality of, “Why me?!” It took years to realize how counterproductive and unhelpful I was being to my own self. (And I am still learning!) Just because I attempt to be the “Princess of positivity,” does not mean there aren’t days where I can find it downright strenuous to smile. Bad days and bad moods WILL happen. So, what can we do? WE CAN FIND THE NEUTRAL.
That is what I started to practice. In a fit of fury, when my thoughts are firing off like rapid fire, fueled by anger, disappointment, and one hell of a pity party, I locate the neutral space inside my own mind. Which means if I cannot locate a positive thought then I simply choose not to indulge in the negative ones. In the middle of struggle, finding a silver lining and/or a single positive thought may not come easy. We do NOT have to force ourselves to be positive, but we don’t have to stay on the negativity Merri-go-round, either.
Honor where you are in that moment but apply a smidgen of mental discipline and don’t let yourself go too far down the “Why me?!” rabbit hole. Regulate. Do not make yourself wrong if you can’t find a positive thought. Just don’t have to get completely consumed by the negative ones, either. Recognize that our human experience can be puzzling but trust that your faith (whatever the practice) is WAY BIGGER than anything this dimension is offering up. Instead of paddling against the river of life, try to kick up your feet, lay back in that metaphoric canoe, and let the Universe float you along. Trust the process and stay as neutral as you can until it becomes easier for you locate the silver lining, lesson, growth, or reason.
Go ahead and have your rough day. Remember that God, the Universe, your Spirit Team, or however you connect with your faith of choice, has your back. You do not have to force “the good thoughts” but we also do not have to give in to the bad ones. Throwing your brain into neutral will STOP that “Murphy’s Law” momentum. Pause. Become aware. Mellow. Meditate. Journal. Paint. Distract yourself. And always remember to just…breathe.
