This was a fascinating read. I discovered that I’ve been able to keep my sanity as a caregiver for so long, due in part to practicing many of these methods.
To me, it's also validating. We're intuitively finding ways to overcome our own inner brain at work, which naturally wants to protect us. Science is showing us just how human we are. Even more reason why it's good to create and exchange specifics of ideas, so that we can keep iterating. - hence the Community hub post.
Thank you for sharing more on the habenula. I just read another post, in a totally different context, talking about approaching goals/projects as experiments. She referenced the book "Tiny Experiments" by Anne-Laure Le Cunff. I haven't read it, but I love how this is all coming forward at the same time for me.
Viewing life as a series of experiments, where we learn from uncertainty, and embrace the wisdom it brings. It reminds me of the unalome symbol or a meditation labyrinth. Life isn't a straight path and a seeming failure may just be a piece of information to help you with your next experiment.
I'm looking forward to trying your tips and softening the habenula's impact. I'm keeping in mind, that it is trying to help, but it can only work with what I give it.
I currently do list 3 very specific things I'm grateful for and why, before going to sleep. I feel it puts me in a good headspace for rest.
I also plan to try your "Mark completions out loud" tip. It is so easy to think I did nothing worthwhile during a day or to diminish what it took for me to do something.
Yes, Anne-Laure has a great newsletter too! I love it when life's signs align ;-)
Yes the labyrinth! That reminds me of the 'Who moved my cheese' business book, where the mice stayed primed and ready to keep searching the maze...helpful little stories illustrating the value of continuous learning.
I try hard to not fight/struggle with the negatives - there's a lot of grief for lots of reasons and meditation helps - hence, like you, why I try to state blessings out loud / write them in my journal.
Fantastic list of tips, Victoria. Small steps, and keep practicing them, seems to be the key. I’m going to copy this list and keep it in my desk drawer! Thanks for the work you’ve done on this, so helpful.
You're welcome, Rachel - feel free to share them and the articles with anyone who needs them. Yep - cognitive flexibility, reframing and iterating improvements seems to be the key, ...curiosity and being open to new things seems to be key part of the mix - neuroplasticity etc
This was a fascinating read. I discovered that I’ve been able to keep my sanity as a caregiver for so long, due in part to practicing many of these methods.
Exactly, Tina!
To me, it's also validating. We're intuitively finding ways to overcome our own inner brain at work, which naturally wants to protect us. Science is showing us just how human we are. Even more reason why it's good to create and exchange specifics of ideas, so that we can keep iterating. - hence the Community hub post.
Yes! I hope others share, too!
Thank you for sharing more on the habenula. I just read another post, in a totally different context, talking about approaching goals/projects as experiments. She referenced the book "Tiny Experiments" by Anne-Laure Le Cunff. I haven't read it, but I love how this is all coming forward at the same time for me.
Viewing life as a series of experiments, where we learn from uncertainty, and embrace the wisdom it brings. It reminds me of the unalome symbol or a meditation labyrinth. Life isn't a straight path and a seeming failure may just be a piece of information to help you with your next experiment.
I'm looking forward to trying your tips and softening the habenula's impact. I'm keeping in mind, that it is trying to help, but it can only work with what I give it.
I currently do list 3 very specific things I'm grateful for and why, before going to sleep. I feel it puts me in a good headspace for rest.
I also plan to try your "Mark completions out loud" tip. It is so easy to think I did nothing worthwhile during a day or to diminish what it took for me to do something.
Thanks, Nance for these comments!
Yes, Anne-Laure has a great newsletter too! I love it when life's signs align ;-)
Yes the labyrinth! That reminds me of the 'Who moved my cheese' business book, where the mice stayed primed and ready to keep searching the maze...helpful little stories illustrating the value of continuous learning.
I try hard to not fight/struggle with the negatives - there's a lot of grief for lots of reasons and meditation helps - hence, like you, why I try to state blessings out loud / write them in my journal.
Let me know how your little experiments go.
Fantastic list of tips, Victoria. Small steps, and keep practicing them, seems to be the key. I’m going to copy this list and keep it in my desk drawer! Thanks for the work you’ve done on this, so helpful.
You're welcome, Rachel - feel free to share them and the articles with anyone who needs them. Yep - cognitive flexibility, reframing and iterating improvements seems to be the key, ...curiosity and being open to new things seems to be key part of the mix - neuroplasticity etc