Shifting the Mood

ROBERT MCGINNIS
Originally uploaded by ondiraiduveau

This morning Beren and I were discussing various aspects of our current situations, namely some difficult parts of them. We weren't complaining necessarily, just matter-of-factly naming some areas of our lives that were challenging at the moment. Since we don't have any major dramas going on right now (thank you, Goddess) most of these things were trivial and fairly easy to manage. I did, however, mention my weight loss efforts and how this new "diet" has changed my lifestyle dramatically. Some of the changes are subtle, some more obvious, but all requiring a shift in thinking and behavior. I'll elaborate more at a later date but for now I'd like to share today's Daily Om with you as it's rather applicable.

I'm off to Jenny Craig for my weekly consultation and weigh-in, wish me luck!

October 20, 2010
Shifting the Mood
Attitude Follows Perspective

When we feel supported, it is easier to open our heart and minds when needing to look at a situation differently.
We all have days when we are faced with chores, errands, or responsibilities that we don't want to do. At times like these, it's easy to get into a bad mood and stay in one as we tackle these tasks. However, given the fact that our bad mood will not change the fact that we have to do these things, and will most likely make things worse, we could also try to shift our attitude. Many wise people have pointed out that it is not so much what we do as it is how we do it that makes the difference in our lives.

It's important when we're facing something that's really hard for us, whether it's doing taxes, paying bills, or visiting a challenging relative,[or trying to lose weight] that we lovingly support ourselves through the process. The more supported we feel, the easier it is to open our minds to the idea that we could change our way of looking at the situation. In truth, most of the chores we don't like doing are intimately intertwined with our blessings. When we remember this, we feel gratitude, which makes it hard to stay in a dark mood.

We can shift our attitude by considering how much we love our home as we clean it and how lucky we are to have a roof over our head. Any task can be transformed from a burden to a necessary aspect of caring for something we love. All we have to do is shift our perspective, and our attitude follows shortly behind.