ENGAGE IN GOOD LIFESTYLE CHOICES
It’s important to keep both body and mind busy. Some activities in which we can engage are:
Our mind by its very nature is never quiet. We engage in thinking every waking moment. In fact, it is not possible to stop thinking. Try it. You’ll find you are still thinking. –You’re thinking about not thinking! Therefore when we are plagued with distressing thoughts, rather than saying, "I just won’t think about this," we should be telling ourselves, "I’ll think about something else."
There are many ways we can think about something else. We can engage in different and better thoughts by saying a favorite prayer, humming a song or recalling a poem. We can read some good literature or make good use of the Internet. We can engage in a physical activity, hobby or pastime we enjoy. As well, we can practice relaxation breathing techniques, yoga or tai chi. Constant repetition of a sound or words (a mantra) will also quiet the mind. Of course there are many other things that are also good diversions: playing with our children, walking the dog, baking a cake, washing our car, planting a garden, to name but a few. For the believer, contemplating God can be very effective.
Spirituality is varied and personal. It includes but is not limited to practicing a formal religion. Doing charitable deeds and volunteering are also forms of spirituality. Spiritual life does not have to be monotonous. It can be enjoyable and entertaining. Devoid of obscenity, violence, vulgarity and excess, it can and should be an integral part of our daily lives.
If we hold the attitude that whatever we do is done as our duty and as an offering to the divine, then it will follow that we will do virtuous things naturally and that we will not engage in unethical and immoral conduct. This will lead us to contentment, joy and tranquility and to freedom from anxiety and distress.
Following a spiritual path will divert us from engaging in interests which may lead to emotional problems. With our modern day conveniences and our fast pace of life, a conscious effort is needed to bring spirituality into our daily lives. Day in and day out we should strive to live a spiritual life and by so doing, we will avoid the pitfalls and dangers of today’s world.
Learn a few favorite prayers or songs of your choice and memorize them.
When plagued with recurring, disturbing thoughts, we must consciously and consistently turn our mind to other things. See (S0106).
How we occupy our time and our thoughts is the key to our sense of well-being. We must be willing to work at it.