Old Habits Die Hard
|
Hi Reader, As we develop and age, much of our behaviour becomes habitual. The statistics for just how much vary greatly, but at least half of our actions seem to be driven by habit. And the implications of habitual behaviour are greater than you may imagine. As such, it is important to make a conscious effort to foster good habits. A bad habit that seems trivial now could be devastating should your circumstances change. When placed under extreme stress, there is a tendency to rely on pre-established patterns of behaviour - we make more habitual responses than considered choices. 'Sometimes when people are under stress, they hate to think, and it's the time when they most need to think.'
Bill Clinton
So it's important to analyse your habits with honesty. And consider the impact of your habitual thoughts or actions. Know thyself. From time to time, I would like to include a comment encouraging spiritual development. Although I make no judgement on anyone's personal beliefs. For those of you who believe in an eternal spiritual path, consider this. Your behaviour has implications that impact this existence, and transcend to the next life and beyond. But the roots of your behaviour may extend back centuries, or even millennia. Some lessons can be harder to learn than others, and old habits die hard. Never underestimate the impact of bad habits or the longevity of their influence. Now is always the time to reflect and grow. I was given this to share. Keep moving forward. And be patient about how long meaningful growth takes. Your efforts will build resilience and strong foundations that you can depend upon under any circumstances. Focus on the light, always, Natalie Attenborough |
Focus on the Light
Hi Reader, This week I completed a task long overdue that had presented me with a level of risk. I was aware of the need to complete the task for sometime however have only now been able to achieve it. On completion I was surprised to notice a palpable shift in perspective. I felt significantly lighter. I hadn't realised how much worry I had been carrying over this job. I thought I had accepted the unavoidable delay without consequence to my mental state. It reminded me that when we carry a...
Hi Reader, The Dalai Lama teaches that anger is a weakness, and counsels never to act or make a decision when in an angry state. While passionate feelings may inspire great deeds, no good comes from anger. I am generally an agreeable person. Though we all get angry at times. When angry, my natural response is to try and rationalise the situation. But my reasoning is flawed by the negative emotion, and I always, and I mean always, either make things worse or hurt others or myself. So now, when...
Hi Reader, I went home for a few days recently. My family home. My parents still live in the house I grew up in. It is a house filled with memories, and love. The same chair where I sat on my Mums knee as an infant, that I now sit in with my daughter when we visit. The dining room where my family shared Christmas meals after opening gifts. The bedroom I shared with my older sister. Every square inch of the house is crammed with memories. As is the village it is located in. And going there I...