Be In This World… But Not Of It!

By September 8, 2009Uncategorized

Stress has always been part of the human landscape, but it appears that the rate of change today is fast and furious making stress a greater presence in everyone’s lives. A catalyst for stress is the ego’s attachments to expectations and ideals of how things are SUPPOSED to be. Spiritual traditions from several Eastern cultures remind us of how to “walk in balance” gracefully in times of stress. They use words such as “detach,” “release” and “cleanse;” all means to keep the ego in check when under pressure. A popular expression attributed to a great many spiritual luminaries reminds us “To be in this world, but not of it.” From a stress management perspective, this is a reminder to live our lives in balance, not tension. It is a reminder to let go of thoughts, perceptions and attitudes that hijack our emotions leaving us in a perpectual state of frustration and anxiety. To be in the world but not of it, means to acknowledge unmet expectations, but not give our power over to them. To be in the world but not of it means to take the high road when we encounter stress by letting go of petty annoyances. To be in this world but not of it also means to appreciate material possessions, yet not be consumed by them; an addiction all unto itself. All of this may seem like a tall order, but with practice, it becomes easier.

• Stress Tip for the Day:
Take inventory of your life today by stepping back (particularly in situations of stress) and observer your life from a new perspective: To be in the world but not of it. Detachment doesn’t mean apathy or indolence, rather it means living a consciously with an open heart. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that you are so much more than your ego!

• Links Worth Noting:
Not long ago I was up in Greenland to film (Earth Songs) the icebergs in the town of Ilulissat, a UNESCO world heritage site. It is impossible to be up there and not hear the buzz of global warming. Below is a link to some research being done in the area, some of which I was able to see myself. I thought this link was worth sharing….

http://www.extremeicesurvey.org/

• Photo of the Day:
I have been on the road for the past several weeks (Greenland, Hawaii and Peru…non of which were vacations, but just so you know, Hawaii was entirely all work and no play… smile) Today’s photograph is one of my favorites from Greenland. Enjoy!
By the way…Plans are underway for a Mountain Retreat workshop next summer in Ireland. For more information/itineray, etc. please call MaryJo Camaren (Sundrenched Vacations) at 303. 439.0948.

• Quote for the Day:
“Pain in inevitable, Suffering is optional.” —Anonymous

Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net

© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Brian Luke Seaward

Author Brian Luke Seaward

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