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In our life, we can face some really tough challenges. Personally I could even re-define some of my challenges as hardships or problems, because some seem so difficult and protracted, in certain instances. It's ridiculously easy for my attention to get hooked and sucked in to the drama, events and the story-lines. The net result of living in that "frame-of-mind," is that I'm absorbed and consumed by the problems and not the solutions. And by living in that state, things will not get better. In fact things can get worse.

To cultivate a "Healthier state of mind," there are some things that I do, that enable me to be my friend instead of my foe. I wanted to share a couple of them with you, because they just might useful food for thought.

1. Change the channel. When I experience negative emotions, reactions, thoughts - I've noticed that it's almost like my brain is tuned in to a specific channel. The way I change the mental channel is by listening to positive podcasts and audio books. It might be my teacher Genjo Marinello Osho, Thich Nhat Hanh, Pema Chodron, Guy Finley, Wayne Dyer, Joel Osteen, John Izzo and the like. Hearing information expressed in caring and compassionate way, can drive a wedge between me and the negative thinking.


2. Walk away from people who mean to harm and not to help you physically and/or emotionally. Staying only undermines self-esteem. Please don't mistake this for have challenges in a relationship with spouse, significant other, friend or co-worker and issues need o be worked through. Though times can be difficult, working things through is an important part of growth.
   


3. Do Something. A lot of times, when I take a walk or ride my bike around the park, it helps my mind to relax and let go a little, as I focus not on problems but my breathing. Sometimes I take my iPod with me. Music can help me write a new narrative for myself.


4. Zazen. did I even mention how much I like Zazen? On a serious note, Zazen means "to sit in unification." When I sit with a problem I do one of three things. A) Work on my koan. B) Count the breath. C) I use a visualization wherein I see my body as a mountain, my breath is the breeze or wind and my mind is like the open blue sky. The length's of my ssits can vary greatly In the morning I usually sit longer 30-45 minutes and in the evening 20 minutes.
   


5. Refrain from stress eating. Oddly enough, this is one of the hardest things for me. When I'm stressed out, I tend to eat at my problems. When successful, it's usually that I did something like cleaning around the house, got outside and focused my mind on some activity.


6. Connect with others on the path. While I'm always aware that there are some negative people who won't be helpful to me. On the other side of the coin there are people who can provide help and support. I don't shy-away from them, because I am often encouraged and strengthened by the associations.

In bringing myself towards a "Healthier state of Mind," there's no magic bullet in re-framing our mind and our life. It's a kind of jigsaw puzzle that has to be put together, to make a seamless and cohesive whole. These measure have worked for me time and again, including today. If you are having a moment of struggle in some area of your life, know that you are not alone. We can grow and become healthy minded together, by staying our experience, strength and hope.

May Your Life Go Well,

Jaye Seiho Morris, Curator
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