Why do we think too much?

A short video I saw many years ago was a pony trying to leave its stable… Hesitation, a bit of fear and FINALLY, after a few anguished moments, it steps out of it. All because of a small step on its way. The theme the person who posted it was OVERTHINKING.

And that may be a problem for ponies, I am not sure, but it is for sure a HUGE problem for everyone.

• We need to take a step, but… can we really do it? Is it safe? What about the safe place I am living right now, it is not that bad, you know? I think this is the wrong direction…
• Or, we need to take a jump, we need a big change to take place in our lives. No, I cannot do this! I am not prepared! My (wife, husband, friend, brother…) told me I wouldn’t be able to do it… It is too much, let me wait a little bit more…
• Furthermore, we maybe need a breakthrough. I prefer to stay where I am, it is not so good, but not too bad either. It is too risky!

Overthinking may be everywhere and I am sure, right now, you are overthinking about something…

Or maybe, I am overthinking about you…

There is not one solution, but a few things you can do:

• If you know you will need something, prepare yourself beforehand.
• If the change is small (a step), choose the best moment to do it. Some will prefer to be surrounded by close friends, others by themselves, the important thing is that YOU TAKE THAT STEP.
• If the change is big (a jump), you need to reflect and contemplate on it, but don’t overcook your decision or as some people say, don’t get paralyzed by the analysis. Probably the best thing is to get help from someone in terms of guidance, resources or a good chat.
• Now, if the change is a transformation, you do need help if that generates storms of thoughts in your mind. Perhaps, ask around to see who has gone through a type of change like that; probably it will different, but there are some lessons you can learn.

I hope that will be helpful.

Was it helpful? Are you sure? I don’t know I think I missed something……..

 

Just kidding! Take care!

Global peace… is it a dream?

On September 21^st every year, the world celebrates the International Day of Peace. It is symbolic, but why do we need a particular day to celebrate peace?

The reasons are everywhere as we finish what many have called Long Peace, a period from 1945 without major wars between countries. At a global point of view, the Long Peace is dead as a war rages in Europe and other conflicts threaten our world in the rest of the globe.

But I am not sure the peace we want should be based solely in the absence of war. In fact, this phrase is key:

That since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences (sic) of peace must be constructed[1]

 

That is my belief, as well as so many other people after one of the worse conflicts of mankind. I do believe that the main war starts inside my mind.

Your mind.

Our mind.

And one day, it turns into something more serious.

This is why we do need a specific day to remind us about peace, so that our minds can refocus, diverting its attention from streaming, social network, problems and crisis.

We need an alarm that reminds us to look within and feel our own peace first.

Naturally, when we are peaceful, we will be acting, working, talking and moving around in a peaceful way, generating an atmosphere of peace.

Naturally, others will be touched by our peace and almost gently, their own minds will calm too.

Naturally, the dream of world peace will come to reality.

Are you with me?

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[1] UNESCO Constitution, adopted in London on November 16^th 1945. 

Games of life

One of the things that I find amazing is how many childhood games are played in very different cultures… For instance, hide-and-seek.

You know the drill: one person is chosen to find others, they close their eyes and count, giving time to others to hide themselves. You are found, you lose!

Now, let’s translate that to our present environment, supposing you don’t play that game anymore…

There is a conflict or a situation of crisis among a few people. One of the them, the leader, is with their eyes closed, that is, the leader does not know exactly the cause or the solution for it.

However, there is SOMEONE in their team who knows; maybe they have studied more or they have an experience the leader does not have. The game is to find that person.

When the person is found via interviews or informal conversations, at last the leader has the key to solve the situation.

It is possible the leader does not know who has the key, so they have to go through everyone patiently, talking, trying and checking the results.

It could be a company or a family, a platoon or a group of college students, anytime we think of a group of people as a team, the hide-and-seek game is one way to deal with a crisis. You are found, all win!

In reality, all crisis, big or small, are a chance for us to play with other people, changing roles and activities, challenging ideas and paradigms.

But there is always the risk we forget our ability to play and use other tools, like a fight or even a war.

Please, don’t forget the days of your childhood… and use them as a valuable experience for anything that is taking place right now.

Nothing is permanent, all is eternal

Think of nothing as being permanent…

And your sorrow will fly away…

And your problems will vanish with the sunset…

And your obstacles will look so small…

 

Think of everything as being eternal…

And you will be aware that your victory is eternal…

And you will learn that all you do inspires others…

And you will realize your obstacles are there as lessons to be learnt…

 

By doing that, instead of sorrow, happiness will come in.

And instead of getting worried by problems or obstacles, you will celebrate your victory or learn the lesson.

And most important, you will be a hero, a heroine that will inspire many others to realize that nothing is permanent.

All is eternal.