JoyScaping Tip: Mind Your Mind
We can reduce suffering by being mindful of where our thoughts travel. When we feel anger, sadness, hate, anxiety, jealousy, it's a signal that we are heading down a path that will lead to suffering. I'm not suggesting that you stuff these emotions. Acknowledge them, express them constructively, but don't dwell on them.
In short, we must be mindful of our thoughts, the corresponding feelings they produce and the actions they inspire. Mindfulness allows us to objectively observe and examine our thoughts and stop us from behavior
JoyScaping Process To 'Mind' your Mind:
1) Exhale: When you find yourself falling headfirst into, thoughts that steal your peace, stop and breathe. Constructive action seldom comes from a place of panic.
2) Examine: Own your emotion and express it, constructively. Don't take it out on anyone else. Write it down, unleash all of it, if you can. If you can't at least express what you're feeling: "I feel _________". Then, examine the thought. Ask yourself "What was I just thinking? How does that make me feel? Do I want to continue feeling this?" If the thought brings joy and inspiration, continue. If not, go to the next step.
3) Excavate: Get to the root of what you are thinking and why you are upset. Ask yourself "What do I fear? Why do I fear this?" The answer is the root issue that needs addressing.
4) Express Your Safety: Look around you. Where are you when you are experiencing this thought? Are you in real danger? Is your life threatened? What is happening in this Moment that the thought is being experienced? Chances are, we are not in a life or death situation when we are experiencing the thoughts that lead to suffering. Feeling that the situation that we're in may lead to death of some sort, is more likely the case. In the moment, however, we are safe. Breathe and remind yourself of that reality.
5) Elevate Your Mind: Reach for a higher, peaceful more joyful thought. Practice gratitude, listen to a happy song, make a mental list of people who love and support you. The goal is to move from a space of suffering to a space of peace and joy.
Go through this process when you feel angry, sad, agitated or unhappy. Feelings are a sure sign of what we're thinking. Take more control of your thoughts and minimize suffering. Your Joy is waiting.
