Wonderful thoughts, Allison, and I like your story! The Universe really does have a sense of humor. I often wondered how literal it is...

And don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with making money. Money-making is a matter of focus, motive, and higher purpose. I do love that you and I want to be more kind, caring, and compassionate. These things feel more important than anything. But I've also said that if money were no object, my full-time job would be philanthropy. I would love giving it all away. LOL

Jan,

Wow, great strategies!

I generally don’t have problems with anxious thoughts or worry thoughts although there are exceptions. :) My brain just finds thoughts very fun things to play with, the more the better! I sometimes have trouble sleeping the night through for example. 4 am seems to be the witching hour. My brain sometimes spins up, not worrying but just going from one fun thought to the next. Ugh, not so much fun at 4 am!

I like operating at high speed, but I enjoy that contrasted with slowing down in the evening to actually fix a meal, or have a glass of wine out on the deck. So that physical slowing down resonates with me. I’ve never been much for yoga but find now that it seems to be one way I will actually slow down my breathing and relax my body.

But clearly, as a shepherd of my thoughts, I could probably use some remedial training. I do like the idea of a mantra. It sounds like that is almost like a conditioning mechanism. In fact, there is a great article by Ram Dass on WB called Aging Body, Ageless Soul. In it he talks about his mantra as being something he’s invested lots of time and work with so that he can call on it in moments of reactivity and quickly get centered again.

I guess it boils down to, thoughts are not bad things. But, like many other things, when they are driving us and not the other way around, that isn’t so good.

Thanks for these!

Hi Jan,

Wow, small world (Gayle from Arizona and fellow nature lover). I've really enjoyed reading through the posts, especially since I have a hard time being quiet or meditating also. Lately I would blame it on the heat but after talking to some Texans I feel I shouldn't be complaining. But it's also lack of sleep--speaking of 4 a.m., I live right by a school (NEVER AGAIN) and the dumpster is emptied from 4:48 to 5:15 a.m. three times a week. I'm going through the school, city, and next the contractor. Anyway, I have been able to mostly devote my Sundays to listening, writing, and reading, including a chapter each week of "Your Truest Self." I just finished the chapter on Naomi Judd, and I have to say the part about the "Dark Night of the Soul" was a little scary. I think it's hard for me to "surrender to faith" and not worry, even though I have learned that it's the big things you don't worry about (because you have no way of predicting them) that will cause you the most pain. I really envy people with strong faith, but I know you can't fake it. As you say, it's a lifelong journey. Thanks for the posts and I will be trying your suggestions.

You are wise to notice that the use of a mantra or sacred word or phrase is a reconditioning tool. It teaches the brain to stabilize and focus. The breath can serve as the same focal point, but if you are a person of words—as am I—sometimes a word is a very solid tool to use. Keep in mind it is also very good to rest the mind, as the body is intricately intertwined with it and it needs down time to rest and rebuild itself. Rest, on all levels, I believe, is sacred and vital for our total well-being. Running on high octane is fine as long as it is done without stress to the body/mind and balanced with periods of rest.

Hi Gayle. So great to find you here! Your current location does sound disturbing to peace of mind. Ah, the lessons. As you say, we are always in process, and the same goes true of trust and surrender. These are qualities that DO take time and practice to cultivate. I appreciate what you say about the "Dark Night" in my book. It does take courage to deal with what life hands us. But I am always amazed how resilient we are; how much strength we muster up with things get tough. I believe women especially are very resilient. :-) I hope you will continue reading and letting me know your thoughts. You can always e-mail me through my website: awakenedliving.com. I appreciate your faithfulness to your process....Blessings!

Yes, using a mantra to condition one's self to getting present and centered was a cool concept to me.

Walking the dog this morning, I was wondering what my mantra could be. I think it might have to be something like "In the fullness of time, the answers will come." I'll experiment with that.

My brain believes that it can think its way to the answer by thinking as much as possible, in the shortest timeframe possible. I'm sure you would give a definitive 'NOT SO!' :) And I know (although my brain is slow to be convinced) that often the answers take time and there is just no short circuiting that. I think you were talking to Cindy L about that.

So, practicing waiting would also be a good practice for me I 'spect.