Immunity Lesson 26- Guardians of our Minds

IMMUNITY LESSON 26
Guardians of our Minds

In guarding our bodies with proper nutrition, rest, attitude, and activity, we also guard our mind.  And being mindful will direct us to a healthy path that benefits our body and mind.  Choosing a path that includes the “Four Pillars of Well-Being” including Sleep, Attitude, Moving, and Eating to feel better is a great start to be a heroic guardian of your health. 

But, how do we become the guardians we should be?  What do we need to do?

It is simple, but perhaps not easy.  

First, we need to be aware or mindful of ourselves, our thoughts and our feelings without judging them.  Just be aware and observant.  Ask yourself, “Why did that affect me the way it did?”

Secondly, we need to understand that we have the capacity to respond to any situation in many ways, and all of these are within our control.  Yes, we are in control of how we respond to any stimulus, issue, or challenge.  We may not be in control of the incoming issue, but we are in control of how we respond.

Thirdly, and perhaps the most challenging, is to make the choice to respond in the manner that is most consistent with, and reflects, our (new and improved) vision of ourselves in which reactive responses are replaced with creative responses.

(Side note:  It is impossible to be reactive and creative at the same time just as it is impossible to be stressed and relaxed at the same time.  It is well known that reactivity is a product of stress and creativity is enhanced by being relaxed.  

So, since it is more difficult to develop a creative response when stressed, one needs to be mindful of our feelings and remind ourselves that we have a choice (which will diminish stress somewhat) prior to creating the optimal response to a situation. 

Your New, Improved Vision Of Yourself:

“There is no nobility in being better than someone else, …but there is true nobility in being better than one’s former self.”

The above is from a quote attributed to Ernest Hemingway and modified, but the message has been promoted by ancient and modern philosophers.  Simply, we can become better than our former self by becoming guardians of our health and prioritizing that responsibility.

By becoming “Guardians of our Health,” we give ourselves the privilege of making choices that will lead to a more enjoyable life.  We become aware of our thoughts and feelings, recognize that we have the power to choose how we respond to challenges, and create a positive response that reflects how we wish to be as a person.

This is somewhat heavy stuff.  You’ll need to remember the three steps and practice them over and over during non-trying times so you can call upon them during trying times.  Use them on a trip to the grocery store, on the commute to work, and especially at work.  Here they are again, the 3 Steps to becoming a “Guardian of your health”.

1. I will be mindful and aware
2. I am in control of how I respond
3. I will create a response that reflects who I wish to be

That’s it.  Remember and practice.  You will be amazed how this simple approach will change your life for the better.