Savor: July 9 - 15

Humans survived thanks to a negativity bias. This way of thinking helped our ancestors avoid being eaten by a lion, but today it can trap us in a loop of anxiety and needless fear as we focus on what is wrong and overlook the good stuff in life.

The brain is like Velcro for negative experiences

and Teflon for positives ones.

Rick Hanson

rickhanson.net

To counteract this tendency we must intentionally accentuate the positive. We can rewire our neuro network by making an effort to pay attention to positive moments as they occur.

The next time you receive a compliment, are awed by nature, enjoy a good meal, or are caught up in the beauty of music, pause to fully absorb the experience. Intentionally take 30 seconds or a minute to allow it to soak into your bones. Capture thoughts and feelings so you can relive the moment when life gets difficult.

Practice

When our kids Jaden and Taniya were young and saw dolphins swimming in the ocean or birds flying overhead, Patrick, my husband, would tell them to take a picture with their mind. The next time they had trouble falling asleep, he would help them pull out those images and soothe them to sleep.

When beauty or joy or love cross your path today, take a picture with your mind. Spend a minute in gratitude. The next time you sense worry arising, pause and allow the experience to resurface and warm your heart.