WANDERING BRAIN FINDS HAPPINESS
Those trusty researchers at Harvard University -- and
elsewhere -- have been busily exploring what makes us happy.
It is called the neurobiology of happiness and speaks to
what lights up our brains. The researchers are also
examining the plasticity of our brains - how we can
re-pattern our neurotransmitters for happier outcomes.
Positive psychologists, Daniel T. Gilbert and Matthew A.
Killings-worth, both from Harvard, have concluded that "a
wandering mind is not a happy mind." Yes, psychological
research does demonstrate that flair for the obvious, but,
that said, we now have scientific proof and baseline
platform for today's discussion.
We humans have minds that are in over-drive. Our minds are
forever projecting forward to explore a possibility or
vaulting backwards to review a past event. We seldom stay in
the present moment which all good mystics and mindfulness
teachers will tell you is the place to hang out. This - the
present moment - is where we get the most bang for our buck,
life-wise.
Still, it is difficult for us to shut our monkey brains
down. We hop from thought to thought with nary a breath in
between. As most of us know, meditation has been proven an
effective antidote for the non-stop mind and stressed-out
life. It works.
For some, meditation is not their thing. Good news, however,
awaits. Those wizards at Harvard have also found that quiet
time increases happiness. Yes, quiet time.
I am told that when night falls, a boat switches
energetically into what is called "low lights." In other
words, everything is shut down to preserve power. I love
that phrase. Perhaps you might see yourself as a boat with
low lights skimming inky waters under a starry sky.
Everything is safe and secure, you are allowing yourself
some time to refresh and recharge.
Enjoying Quiet time
Have you ever considered creating a daily window for quiet
time? Perhaps taking thirty minutes of unadulterated
unscheduled time to sit quietly? Nothing fancy, simply 30
precious minutes with the telephone unplugged, the computer
turned off and no one permitted to disturb you.
This is time for you to unburden yourself. There is nothing
to carry -- no bags, books, briefcases, messages, worries,
responsibilities or chores. Everything is left outside the
30-minute circle but you.
In fact, you might envision drawing an imaginary circle
around this dedicated space. It will provide you with
boundaries -- an energetic safety zone in which to release
your cares and worries. By creating a temporary sanctuary in
which you can refresh, recharge and replenish yourself, you
are free to be alone with your thoughts, stare into space,
take a bath, meditate or simply rest your eyes.
Being quiet is a healing endeavour; it soothes jangled
nerves, pre empts the bombardment of sensory stimulation and
allows the body to become still. It calms the energy field
and provides restorative tranquillity to the mind-body. Being
quiet is an avenue for both balance and peace.
Being quiet also connects you with yourself. It gives you
the opportunity to tune in to yourself and listen to what is
bubbling beneath the surface; it gives you the space to sort
out jumbled emotions or gnarled thoughts. It becomes a place
where you can process and digest the knotted and the
tangled. Being quiet allows you to clear out the internal
clutter and to approach the remainder of the day anew and
with a refreshed attitude. By regularly taking a mere 30
minutes per day for quiet time, you can create an oasis
amidst the hurriedness of your days.
Consider giving yourself permission to take a full 30
minutes of quiet. Sanctuary time calls you.
"How beautiful it is to do nothing and then rest
afterwards." Spanish proverb
elsewhere -- have been busily exploring what makes us happy.
It is called the neurobiology of happiness and speaks to
what lights up our brains. The researchers are also
examining the plasticity of our brains - how we can
re-pattern our neurotransmitters for happier outcomes.
Positive psychologists, Daniel T. Gilbert and Matthew A.
Killings-worth, both from Harvard, have concluded that "a
wandering mind is not a happy mind." Yes, psychological
research does demonstrate that flair for the obvious, but,
that said, we now have scientific proof and baseline
platform for today's discussion.
We humans have minds that are in over-drive. Our minds are
forever projecting forward to explore a possibility or
vaulting backwards to review a past event. We seldom stay in
the present moment which all good mystics and mindfulness
teachers will tell you is the place to hang out. This - the
present moment - is where we get the most bang for our buck,
life-wise.
Still, it is difficult for us to shut our monkey brains
down. We hop from thought to thought with nary a breath in
between. As most of us know, meditation has been proven an
effective antidote for the non-stop mind and stressed-out
life. It works.
For some, meditation is not their thing. Good news, however,
awaits. Those wizards at Harvard have also found that quiet
time increases happiness. Yes, quiet time.
I am told that when night falls, a boat switches
energetically into what is called "low lights." In other
words, everything is shut down to preserve power. I love
that phrase. Perhaps you might see yourself as a boat with
low lights skimming inky waters under a starry sky.
Everything is safe and secure, you are allowing yourself
some time to refresh and recharge.
Enjoying Quiet time
Have you ever considered creating a daily window for quiet
time? Perhaps taking thirty minutes of unadulterated
unscheduled time to sit quietly? Nothing fancy, simply 30
precious minutes with the telephone unplugged, the computer
turned off and no one permitted to disturb you.
This is time for you to unburden yourself. There is nothing
to carry -- no bags, books, briefcases, messages, worries,
responsibilities or chores. Everything is left outside the
30-minute circle but you.
In fact, you might envision drawing an imaginary circle
around this dedicated space. It will provide you with
boundaries -- an energetic safety zone in which to release
your cares and worries. By creating a temporary sanctuary in
which you can refresh, recharge and replenish yourself, you
are free to be alone with your thoughts, stare into space,
take a bath, meditate or simply rest your eyes.
Being quiet is a healing endeavour; it soothes jangled
nerves, pre empts the bombardment of sensory stimulation and
allows the body to become still. It calms the energy field
and provides restorative tranquillity to the mind-body. Being
quiet is an avenue for both balance and peace.
Being quiet also connects you with yourself. It gives you
the opportunity to tune in to yourself and listen to what is
bubbling beneath the surface; it gives you the space to sort
out jumbled emotions or gnarled thoughts. It becomes a place
where you can process and digest the knotted and the
tangled. Being quiet allows you to clear out the internal
clutter and to approach the remainder of the day anew and
with a refreshed attitude. By regularly taking a mere 30
minutes per day for quiet time, you can create an oasis
amidst the hurriedness of your days.
Consider giving yourself permission to take a full 30
minutes of quiet. Sanctuary time calls you.
"How beautiful it is to do nothing and then rest
afterwards." Spanish proverb
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