How hard is it to make yourself depressed? How easy is it to create the mood of frustration? We often do it automatically in response to specific triggers like when someone cutting in front of us on the freeway or if you lose your wireless internet connection just before you hit send.
To create the mood of depression, all one would have to do is droop their shoulders, look down towards the ground, talk slow & picture & think thoughts of despair! Likewise, you can create the mood of frustration in a similar way.
Think about illness. When we catch a cold, what happens? We get a sore throat along with the sniffles, a bit of congestion in our chest, fatigue, maybe a slight headache, watery eyes, etc. What happens to our mental state?
We all of a sudden begin doing less, we cut back on our activities, cancel appointments, get more bed rest, stop shaving & showering, walk slower, tell several people, seek moral support & sympathy, arm ourselves with the latest and greatest poisons to remedy the symptoms and "ride it out".
What if we committed ourselves to performing a different ritual when a cold hit? In order for illness to affect us, we must get sick mentally & physically. There's no doubt that the symptoms of a cold are real physically, however if we consciously choose to perform a different mental ritual a faster recovery is guaranteed.
We're not talking about denying the illness exists. We're talking about maintaining a strong, healthy & resourceful mental state of mind. What are some things you can change when you encounter illness?
Be aware of how you describe what is happening. If you say to yourself, "I am sick" as opposed to "my energy is low", it will affect you differently. When the symptoms begin to show see it as an opportunity exercise your mental muscle. Instead of saying "I am exhausted", remind yourself that you have 12 gears like your road bike and that you can cycle through them to keep active.
Some people have associated much pleasure to being sick unconsciously because of all of the special treatment they receive. The only time some husbands, wives, or kids get affection is when they're ill! This can be dangerous, because you may unconsciously attract illness when you are really in need of a hug.
Remember, at every moment we have options. Live consciously and be true to yourself.
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