“Finding the center of strength within ourselves is in the long run the best contribution we can make to our fellow men. ... One person with indigenous inner strength exercises a great calming effect on panic among people around him. This is what our society needs — not new ideas and inventions; important as these are, and not geniuses and supermen, but persons who can "be", that is, persons who have a center of strength within themselves.” ― Rollo May, Man's Search for Himself ********** I love this quote. How do we find our center of strength?
In short, we must know how to understand our emotions. How do we remain centered, and understand what is happening, without letting circumstances put us in a place of blind emotional reaction? Suppose we face a very challenging situation. The following is an example situation, but think of how to apply these same principles to a challenging situation you have had in the past. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Let’s suppose that everyone in your department at work received notice that they are going to be laid off in two weeks. How do we apply the principles and remain calm? Principle #1: Feelings and thoughts are energy. (We need our emotions - harnessed correctly!) Principle #2: A feeling plus a thought equals an emotion. Principle #3: Emotions produce action. Don’t let your actions go out of control without understanding what is really going on. Instantly, when we feel an emotion, remember to take a minute to pause. Be calm. Ask yourself the two very important questions: What am I feeling right now - exactly? You’re feeling scared. What am I thinking about this? You think your family is going to starve. Then - look about you at the situation. Right now, you are still safe. Take a deep breath, or maybe take ten deep breaths. Then -- decide and choose. Is there any other way that I could think about this situation? You could choose to think this: I am being laid off, and that is scary. But - it is also an opportunity for me to find a new job, and that could open up wonderful new opportunities for me. Is it realistic to think this way? It’s every bit as realistic as thinking that you are going to starve. Remember, Principle #3: Emotions produce action. If you are going to think that you’re going to starve, what problem will you be heading out to solve? The problem of starvation. If you think that you’re going to find new opportunities, don’t you think you will head out with a positive outlook, and won’t that positive outlook make a difference to you as you apply for new jobs? Remember - our very being vibrates according to what we feel emotionally. Vibrate peace. Vibrate calm. Vibrate assurance. Yes, it takes practice, and yes, it’s hard, hard, hard mental work. But it is important, and it will make a difference. Remember the principles.
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