Hello, and welcome to my column. I’m very pleased to have the opportunity to share techniques with you to help you to create a more positive mind and lifestyle.
Now that the summer is over and that surreal experience of crunching through autumn leaves on the Westwood during October under a burning hot sun is passed, it’s time to begin to prepare ourselves for the colder weather and dark nights. Some people dread the darker evenings. If you are one of them read on to discover how you can change your perception and begin to feel more positive about the change of season.
The first thing to do is to acknowledge that dark nights are different; they are not necessarily bad. They will be with us for some time so why not embrace them. They too bring with them unique, special experiences.
Next; look for the joy in things we often take for granted. So, instead of walking along with your head down and with just the thought of getting home and switching on the TV, look up at the sky. See what stage the moon is at. Are there any stars? Imagine how special and powerful the moon and stars are, emitting their light on our world from so far away. Create positive thoughts about all things.
The beauty of nature is all around us. Even in the most built up of areas you can find joy in nature. Notice how persistent wild flowers and what we would refer to as weeds, are, sprouting through even the tiniest gaps in concrete. I once asked a Humanist for the definition of a weed. His reply, “A weed is simply a plant which people have decided they don’t want or don’t need.” It certainly makes you think doesn’t it, when something is looked at from a different perspective.
Next; be grateful. Acknowledge what you do have rather than wanting things you think you should have. Did you know that simply beginning and ending your day with two or three ‘grateful statements’ can make a real difference to your mood and to how you experience your day? Try it yourself tomorrow morning. You could start by simply saying/feeling grateful for waking up or for that first cup of tea or coffee.
Finally; smile! You can actually convince yourself that you feel better than perhaps you really do simply by the act of using muscles in your face to create a smile. Your brain will then release endorphins,the happiness hormone free from nature.
I hope you give these a try and would be very interested to hear how you get on.
Until the next time…..
by Pamela Crane
Pamela Crane is a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Emotional Freedom Technique practitioner and Motivational Coach. www.hypnotherapist.org.uk
