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Tea Break Mnemonic
As living things we are wired into the evolutionary conditioning all the way back to the first cell. To jump beyond our lizard brain, we need to learn to widen the gap of time that elapses between stimulus and response. Our type of being is incredible tuned to make many very complicated decisions simultaneously without us really thinking about any of it. Frequently today, we may error in our programmed behavior responses either due to primitive imperatives that no longer apply or due to the meddling of moneyed interests that seek to direct our behaviors in ways that are most favorable to them. For these reasons and more, it is good for the self to learn how to detach from the programming and widen the gap between something that stimulates your attention and the time you respond to that stimulation. Here's a cute way to practice that using as a tea mnemonic. Whenever someone says something that triggers the fight or flight reflex in you, before fighting or flying, first try to imagine that you are holding a cup of tea. Smell the fragrance as you breath in through your nose. Then find your center of calmness as you take a sip of your imaginary tea and feel the warmth flow into your core as you swallow the tea and regain your composure. Finally, think about how you can offer to share this moment with your adversary, and without judging look for ways to show love for that person. The ability to show compassion to those we may find despicable can be the hardest part of this exercise, but the benefits can also the greatest. But really just try to have fun with this Tea Break Mnemonic... whenever something triggers an anger response in you, just imagine yourself smelling a nice cup of tea, and then sipping it, tasting it, and feeling it flow down into your center bringing warmth and calm to you even as the car driver in front of you is being such an idiot. |