This August, I have been reflecting on inner equilibrium as we move through climate challenges, and social/political events. Inner equilibrium is another way of visualizing emotional balance. The body has it's physical balance mechanisms that involve our senses in coordination with our muscles and skeleton. It also has a highly complex chemical balance that involves the coordination of multiple organs, glands, and nerve pathways. Emotions can be both a product of and a cause of physical and chemical imbalance. The body is singularly magnificent in its complexity. As we become aware of our individual body in the greater context of a changing ecosystem,--an awareness that we are a part of a larger field of planetary life--balance takes on another dimension. Planetary life is an aspect of the still larger solar system, and then galaxy, and then cosmos. If we think of just ourselves maintaining inner equilibrium, we have a very limited view, unless we consider (in the background) this equilibrium as a spiritual process. We are certainly not in charge of cosmic balance. We do our part and trust the larger Reality.
Today though, I encourage you to consider maintaining emotional equilibrium in a time of change with an attitude of optimism. Optimism is not an emotion as such, but rather a mental assumption or belief that, as I put it: "Things have a way of working out ". By "things" I mean life situations, and by "working out" I mean working out well, of benefit to you and those around you, your slice of Life, that ultimately includes the Whole. It is an expectation of Good. For me that implies the underlying, unfolding, spiritual reality that we can turn toward--or actually that leads us to that which is Highest and Best--as active participants in Life. And there is a link between psychological optimism and spiritual optimism.
While some people are simply born optimistic (less than 30%), optimism can be acquired. Psychologist Martin Seligman coined the phrase "learned optimism" in response to his own research on "learned helplessness", sparking a new theory that optimism could also be cultivated and learned. His model included shifting thoughts of blame and helplessness in adversity to an attitude of understanding and competency, with positive expectations of resolution. Over 30 years of research demonstrates that optimism can be developed and that it offers substantial health benefits, emotionally, mentally and physically. It also correlates with success in achieving goals and adapting when we do not.
Learned optimism isn't just about surface level affirmations, nor glossing over our fear, frustration, anger or disappointments. It is about exercising our choice to examine habitual reactions of self blame as well as blaming others, acknowledge those reactions, and widen our perspectives, ultimately choosing to reaffirm ourselves, others, and life in general. It's not about life always going "our way". Or life going back to the way things used to be. It's about responding to events with the confidence to face challenges, regroup, and develop plans, trusting your adaptability. Moving with changes, adapting to new information, and allowing those around us to exercise their choices are all aspects of optimism, and aspects of an unfolding Good. In future posts, I'll come back to optimism and it's link to inner equilibrium. For today, take some time to consider a fresh optimistic view of a particular challenge in your life right now. Remember, your life extends to the Cosmos. Things are working out. (Susan Nettleton)
For optimistic poetry, follow the links: https://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/index.php%3Fdate...
https://wordsfortheyear.com/.../morning-poem-by-mary-oliver/ http://www.ellawheelerwilcox.org/poems/poptimi4.htm