The rationale for daily-ness can be applied to any effort to transform our behavior or thinking.
Let's have a look at that rationale, and see how it applies to self-transformation in general.
First, humans are creatures of habit. It's our autopilot feature which allows us to drive cars and perform other complex tasks. It allows us a breadth of behavior that transcends our animal instincts. Being creatures of habit is not all bad. There are downsides to our habit-nature, true, but there are also ways to leverage those tendencies for our own good.
Second, the mind is naturally rebellious. The mind can be very wily in finding ways to return us to our old behavior and thought grooves. The fact that we find change difficult is an invitation to compassion and self-acceptance. You are right! This IS hard.
Third, the human mind is conditioned by time and space. When the mind goes, in other words, time and space go too. When time and space go, mind goes too. We can use time and space as a short-cut past the mind's wily rebellions. If you are following the clock, you cut out the negotiations with the mind about whether or not to engage in a new, positive activity.
Fourth, the world around us is in a constant state of flux. One minute, the world is great; we are getting everything we want. The next minute we suffer a staggering loss. Practicing may seem superfluous when we are happy. Daily-ness protects us when things take a turn for the worse. Then, we can say to ourselves, "Indeed, I am under pressure now. My boss is threatening to fire me. My partner is leaving me. But tomorrow morning at 8, I know where I will be. I will be doing my practice. And that will be good."
Daily practice benefits us as we do it, yes, and it also benefits us as we anticipate it. It benefits us again as we recall and reflect on it.
So, on that wonderful day when your rational mind pipes up with some insight such as, "This negativity, this fear, pessimism, loneliness, anger, self-loathing, or hopelessness is getting me nowhere," support that insight with a daily practice to combat the negativity of your own mind.
Contact me at jelyrose@gmail.com for support establishing a daily practice such as working on a strengths-focused identity LOG, or establishing a daily meditation practice, or contact me to co-create a positive practice for your specific goal.
Support is essential. The habits that enhance our well-being, such as keeping the mind positive, require us to view ourselves rationally rather than habitually, or emotionally. We must also become keen observers of the subtler, and the more long-range rewards of our efforts. I provide a rational, observing perspective, and my clients internalize them, quickly in many cases. You will be amazed at what you can do!
Tips for establishing a daily practice:
- Practice at a regular time.
- Practice in a regular place.
- Commit to two minutes. Two minutes is enough time to transform you, and you will not believe yourself when you hear your mind say, "I am too busy." If you go over two minutes that is fine.
- Pay close attention to the effects of your practice.
Unlike an unhealthy habit which drags all the other aspects of your life down with it, this tiny commitment will lift all the other aspects of your life up.
jelyrose@gmail.com
