Mental Fitness

Although from an early age we are taught to have some control over our emotions and in the expression of our negative feelings, we are not often made equally aware of the value in increasing and cultivating our good ones, such as loving kindness, consideration  and contentment.

To a degree our emotions seem left to develop as we grow up and adolescence years offers a period of acquiring emotional independence, instead of continuing the patterns and values of our family.  We begin to determine emotional expression and choose to adopt desirable or appropriate behaviour for ourselves.  Other people serve us by their example of what we see as positive qualities to develop and also by demonstrating behavior we choose to avoid.

We are not usually aware of the power that emotions have until we are more experienced in life. Then we rather dramatically learn that our feeling can prove stronger than thought and can steer us to future happiness and success or can damage our opportunities in our career and personal relationships.

We are forced to realize that we each must undertake to cultivate our good emotions and to employ our feeling nature appropriately.  Equally we have to discourage our fears and negative feelings that impinge upon our own inner harmony and the comfort of others.

If we fail to initiate our own personal self discipline, external circumstances will force us to become aware of the importance. We may learn that a few moments of uncontrolled emotion can destroy years of previous effort and fortune.

If we wish to freely develop our intellect, we must have our emotions under control and definitely on side so that mind and feelings are co-operative.  If we are not able to rely upon stable and vital emotions, we will never be sure that negative feelings and responses will not rear up to damage our life or enterprises in some way, particularly in regard to relationships.

Our emotions, particularly the finest emotions, also require nourishment in order to grow through the kindness and understanding of others. It is our good fortune to enjoy, or a disappointment, if this situation does not apply.

However, our own self culture is not reliant upon externals but upon our inner ideals and the self image to which we aspire. Most of us will choose to include desirable emotions that will result in peace, love, happiness and the joy in living.. 

Technorati Tags: contentment, love, positive emotional practise for happiness and peace, self confidence and feelings of life as a learning place

We seem to all suffer stress these days. There is much discussion about the causes of this modern ‘epidemic’ that threatens our health, our emotional enjoyment of life and our mental fitness.

The causes of our personal stress are simple enough if we face the factors in our lives that result in our states of discontent, anxiety or unhappiness that we are experiencing. Whether or not we can change the external factors altogether is questionable but we can take control over our personal reactions to the conditions in which we find ourselves and so regain and maintain our mental fitness.

So how do we free ourselves from old habits and reactions to life and to people? How do we develop a stress -free mind? 

Self discipline begins with identifying our levels of tension, unnecessary worry and anxiety and our fears, whatever they may be.  If we do not re-programme our responses these habit reactions of mind and emotions will gradually begin to threaten our well being.

It is the simple practise of relaxation that offers an immediate benefit. We will find that we are more comfortable physically and find it easier to stop worrying and start thinking clearly. So, if you wish to be free of anxiety, to feel confident, safe and secure so you can enjoy life to the full, then start with learning how to release tension from the muscles of the body. Because of its close association, tension in the mind will follow.

The art of relaxation does not demand new effort and strain – it’s easy. A good teacher will teach you simple techniques that can be subsequently followed at home.

In addition, make sure that in each day you enjoy a time for your personal and enjoyment alone.

Remember, that a relaxed person is most likely to be able to offer better companionship for another.

So learn to relax, let your stresses melt away, and allow a new sense of enjoyment in life to replace the burdens you have carried.

Look forward to a new sense of

personal value and a shinier self image as you make new friends of true worth who offer fine companionship and sincere affection.

Sally Janssen’s wonderful book “Mental Fitness: A Simple Self-Help Guide”, offers simple and timely solutions. Read more…

Technorati Tags: anxiety, friendship, genuine affection, Meditation, Mental Fitness, mental health, personality, relaxation, Stress