the nucleus of ordinary moments

Have you ever wondered why the way we pay attention to ordinary life plays a critical role in our well being and the well being of others?

Numerous studies have been done detailing the adverse effects of stressful living. The way we eat, the way we work, the way we play and even the way we love can all effect our health in a detrimental manner.

Reading a child a bedtime story can be an ordinary moment that can end fraught with tension or disarmingly simple and meaningful. Why?

What triggers create the two different scenarios?

In terms of health research one of the most common definitions of a stressful situation is one "in which the demands on the individual tax or exceed their adaptive capabilities." Not being able to handle the situation is a primary indicator of stress having a negative impact upon the outcome.

The above example of reading a bedtime story might be perceived by one parent as fullfilling and by another parent as an overwhelming demand in turn making an ordinary event health producing for one person, but unhealthy for another.

And therein lies a problem.

The perception of such an ordinary event is what can be healthy or unhealthy.

As individuals we have certain mechanisms that we depend upon to help us navigate our world. We perceive the world in ways that might elicit a stressful or non-stressful reaction to ordinary daily activities....for some this is known as the fight or flight response.

So, can the way we pay attention in daily life play a critical role in our health and well-being and that of the health and well-being of others?

There are endless books, tapes and seminars available to teach you how to get out of being stuck in a tense, constricted, survival mode that keeps you in a constant state of chronic stress. Most books, tapes etc., focus on the following list that tries to wake you up to what you do while participating in ordinary events. Practicing the below helps you alleviate those daily tensions and enjoy the nucleus of ordinary moments.

Mindfullness
Practicing Peace
Opening your mind and awakening your heart
Harnessing the power of attention
Maintaining a Joyful Mind
Meditating
Practicing Compassion
Accepting yourself
Relaxing in the midst of chaos
Taking a deep breath

i tend to go for the last two as my primary stress reducers. Breathing and relaxing have turned what could have been stressful events into ordinary moments.

You are your own magician, you don't have to agonize endlessly, its really up to you to just pay attention.

You don't need to be manipulated into buying endless books etc. to teach you how to cope....just breath and relax and take it all in....and the rest will follow.