There is no question about it; we all carve ruts of irritation in our neurological system. I use the word ruts intentionally. We all become irritated over and over, oftentimes at the very same circumstances that, for whatever reason, drive us up the wall and make us crazy. These patterns of behavior are repeated frequently. Such patterned and habitual responses create an elaborate infrastructure of pathways that are irritants to our neurological system. We carve out ruts in our sensitive neurological pathways much like the stream of pioneers created in the dirt roads which led westward. It doesn’t take much for us to re-enter these well established ruts in our neurological system. This rut is in part what aggravates the neurological challenges that individuals who currently have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease experience.
The mindfulness challenge this week then is to basically craft a new roadway to get out of those same old ruts which continue to irritate that sensitive neurological system of ours. When we engage in negative thoughts like,
“Why can’t that idiot hurry up and get done. I’ve got something important to do and I’m going to be late.”
The body’s neurological system does in fact become irritated as we process the signals of irritation and anger through the very same pathways.
How do you create new neural pathways that calm the neurological system rather than upset it? Learn how to offer a different response to situations that are likely to irritate you such as standing in long lines. Instead of accessing the same neurological ruts, craft new pathways. Calm your body with a focused intention to respond differently.
Shift your awareness from one of outward projection to inward reflection. As you are waiting in line, breathe and notice the deliciousness of what it really feels like to take on the critical source of life itself – oxygen. .
- Relax all the tension in your body as you wait.
- Notice how you stand
- Observe where you stand
- Re-positioning your weight if it helps you become more comfortable
- Silence all angry thoughts of people ahead of you who may simply be having a bad day.
As you engage a new response to a circumstance that can be irritating for anyone you get the added benefit of forging a new neurological pathway. As your stress level dissolves, notice how symptoms you might have been experiencing are suddenly not as troublesome or perhaps even do not even appear to present themselves. A body that is calm and stress free is not capable (or interested) in creating neurological difficulties for you.
Switch on a mindfulness practice as you wait –
- Become aware of each and every sensation
- Look up at the ceiling.
- Look down at the floor.
- Notice the walls;
- Notice the texture of the walls.
- Appreciate the colors on the walls.
- Smile at the people who wait with you.
- Hear the sounds
- Smell the scents
Take in sensually everything in your surroundings. Notice how delicious it can be to become aware of where you are standing in the moment.
Mindfulness practices do result in an alleviation of neurological symptoms. The more you practice, the more you will be delighted with the result. We are the ones that manifest our own destiny. Make it so this week as you wait in line patiently and mindfully for the service that you need to receive
Robert
© Parkinsons Recovery