Staying Mentally Fit

March is Wellness Month in Palo Pinto County.
So, let’s begin by focusing on staying mentally fit as we explore overall wellness. Through my coaching training, I became a Three-Principles Facilitator. The Three Principles—Universal Mind, Thought, and Consciousness are psychological principles that shape how we see the world around us. In this day of unprecedented events, our thoughts (often negative) whirl through our heads like a snow globe gone wild, creating constant stress.  The stress response is important for us to flee from danger or be prepared to fight.  It is only designed to be activated for about 30 minutes every 2-3 days.  Constant activation wears down the body and mental state.  It is a risk factor for most chronic diseases and can trigger anxiety and even depression.   The components of the Three Principles are Universal Mind, Thoughts, and Consciousness.

Universal Mind

Today was a peaceful day. I sat by the riverbank, listening to the wind in the trees, the crows cawing, and a flock of wild geese flying overhead. As I took in the beauty of nature, I felt a warm, peaceful, loving sensation. My mind calmed from daily stress, and I connected to a place where wisdom, insight, peace, well-being, joy, and creativity live.

When God created us, he gave us a spiritual connection called the Universal Mind. It’s our inner guide to the wisdom of the Universe. Let the mind become quiet and look for a warm, peaceful feeling.  That’s when answers to worries and problems come, creativity flows, and peace of mind grows. We all have access to it. It is our default setting.

Thought

From birth, we’re given the gift of thought. A constant stream of thoughts runs through our heads, all day, every day. Some are happy, some are sad, some are angry, and some are even wicked. They flow like the ticker tape on a news channel. Every thought carries a feeling. We create these thoughts, but don’t control the creation. Our sad thoughts create sad feelings. Angry thoughts evoke the feeling of anger. Happy thoughts bring happiness. We have about 70,000 thoughts a day, so most pass unnoticed unless we focus on them. Thoughts only have power if we give them power. Without our attention, they’re harmless. Remember, our thoughts shape our feelings 100% of the time. Feelings act like rumble strips on the road, warning us about our thinking. If we constantly focus on negative thoughts, then it can lead to depression or anxiety. There are great counselors in Mineral Wells who can help. Also, talk to your healthcare provider. Sometimes medication that boosts serotonin can improve well-being.

Consciousness

This is our ability to be aware of reality through our five senses, as shaped by our thoughts. For example, I used to have a 30-minute commute to work through the country. When I was present in the moment, I noticed the countryside around me, the ducks on the pond, and the wild hogs by the side of the road.  When I was in my head, lost in thoughts, I don’t even remember the drive. 

These three principles work together to shape our experience. Our experience doesn’t come from our past, personality, other people, or circumstances. The experience of every moment comes from within. How you use your thoughts creates the experience you have.

Be sure to share your experiences in staying mentally fit, below