Posts tagged "positive stress"

I Embrace Stress

Stress is a part of life that I can embrace and enjoy.

Life is indeed stressful, but we are designed for this. We are made for stress, and a life of tension does not equate to a life of unhappiness. Just think of an athlete right before he hits a home-run. He is nervous, and the situation is tense, but never for a minute is he unhappy. He is where he belongs. He is using the stress to his advantage, and enjoying the release that ultimately comes with victory.

I accept the stress when I feel it. I realize that it is natural. I understand that it is my bodies way of coping with frustration. It floods my body with powerful chemicals that would enable me to fight. It gives me strength and courage. I could snap and attack if necessary. These are wonderful things. I appreciate stress for what it is.

At times I don’t need it though. The power it gives me is not necessary. The drain on my energy is wasted. My body does not know this though, and I have to coach it. I have to feel the stress building, recognize its symptoms, and calm myself down. I close my eyes, breathe in as deeply as I can, and let my mind lightly drift away like soft clouds. I feel the stress settle and the warmth of peace return. Soon I’m calm and the stress is gone.

I know that stress has a purpose and I appreciate what it empowers me to do. Without its role in my life, I would be a weaker person. I also know how to recognize it for what it is. I know when I want it and when I don’t. I am learning to control it, harness it for good, and ease it away when unnecessary.

Questions of Reflection:

1. Do I know how to recognize the symptoms of stress?
2. Do I appreciate it for what it is?
3. Do I know how to calm myself when it is unnecessary?

Peace and Love

I allow peace and love into my heart.

It’s important in my life to find and develop personal peace. I can only contribute to this world if I have my health and my happiness.

In this fast paced world, I let myself take it easy at times. I allow myself to put everything on hold and slow down. Abrasive thoughts and feeling try to work their way in, and I just let them flow right through me. I relax and free myself. My body loosens and my mind drifts. The worries of the world fade away. I think of all the beautiful things in the world and how special it is to be alive and breathing.

The more I follow this approach, the easier it becomes to follow. Soon, when stress finds its way working up my spine, I know what to do without even thinking about it. Sometimes we think that the only way to “win” in life is to beat ourselves up. This is a mistake. To win, we need a clear head and a steady hand. This can only be achieved with peace in the heart.

Questions of Reflection:

1. How do I deal with pain and frustration?
2. Do I let negativity fill my heart?
3. How can I open up to serenity?