What to do when you don't know what to do

1. Get some breathing space. Step back from the situation. Breathe in through your nose, exhale through your mouth. Nice and slow

2. Shift your focus. To something or someone else

3. Talk to someone whose perspective you value. Someone who helps you clear your head

4. Write. Journal. Then journal some more.

5. Pray. To whomever or whatever you believe in

6. Tell yourself 'This too shall pass'.(Because it will, you know) That you will handle it

7. Spend time in nature. Sit at the beach and watch the sunset with your feet in the sand

8. Paint your feelings. Let colours be your language

9. Take some action, however small, in any direction. At times the roads clear when you start walking on one

10. Ask yourself what you really, truly want. Beneath all the surface confusion and conflict. Then go for it

11. Have faith. Hold yourself through this. You're not alone

P.S. - Started writing this in August, at a time when I indeed did not know what to do. Got back to complete and post it today when Rhea, one of my students, excitedly asked about my blog, just having learned that I write. Thanks, Rhea. This one's to you. :)

Carrot over the stick

The other day my mind was wreaking havoc. So much turbulence and frustration welling up inside that I could not bear to look at the comp screen, or even listen to music on it. Strong desire to run away, from everything. Or tearing my hair apart, for reasons that floated about wearily. I've felt this way before. Every time I've tried a different trick to deal with it - usually talking to a close friend, taking a walk, having a cup of coffee, or writing. This time though, I just
suddenly felt like trying Mindfulness - effects of an article I'd recently read(a beautiful, compelling one - thanks to Nandu for passing it on! Find it here - http://www.lifepositive.com/Spirit/Buddhism/Miracle_Mindfulness.asp)

Decided to pick up a cool carrot straight out of the refrigerator. Peeled it quickly and sat down with it on a chair in my room, with the door shut. Next 5 minutes or so were spent entirely with the carrot - there was no world outside of us. I held it in my hand, gazed and stared at the different patterns of cream embedded just beneath the layer of the glistening red. I felt grateful that it existed and was with me at that moment. Took a small, crunchy bite. Felt my teeth gleefully crushing the juicy piece. Relished the taste thoroughly.

When I was done, the effect was instantaneous. The turbulence was replaced by a uniform calm. For the rest of the evening(and night), over conversations or thoughts that could've easily brought the frustration back, I felt serenity - like a thin wall of energy layering my consciousness, keeping negativity or angst from touching it. Felt powerful and at peace.

Mindfulness is grossly underestimated. And so are carrots.