Mind Over Mood... Your Mood Need Not Affect Your Peace

Lets examine some strategies for using mind over mood to change our relationship with our moods to one of peace.

Angry moods, grumpy moods, childish moods... they affect us all. My Teacher got angry when I beat him at table football but I am sure it didn't affect his peace. How is it possible to be grumpy and to experience peace at the same time? Here is how. If you don't see anything wrong with the mood and totally accept it without judgement, then where is the problem? Moods, in themselves, are never a problem. It is simply energy moving.




The first thing to observe is that we have no control over our moods. They simply arise by themselves, sometimes caused by obvious factors, other times apparently uncaused. Sometimes you simply get out of bed on the wrong side! Oftentimes, when I feel a bit flat, people around me are feeling the same. It is simply something in the air. Who knows why?

So, the first mind over mood tip is NOT to judge whatever it is you are experiencing. There is nothing wrong with feeling whatever you are feeling. The mood appeared by itself. You didn't choose it. It is nobody's fault... so as best you can, simply allow it to be there without resistance. Try saying YES to your mood! This will immediately bring a level of peace to your experience.

The second tip is to refrain from analyzing or trying to understand why you are feeling grumpy, or whatever the mood is. You don't even need to label it. Without commentary, it is simply energy passing through your body. Maybe your neighbours have had a fight and you are picking up on it? Dwelling on it simply gives it more strength. A more peaceful strategy is to focus instead on something positive such as gratitude or praise. Whether you give the mood your attention or not is a simple choice.

see choosing happiness

Another powerful mind over mood strategy is to practice mindfulness, or present moment awareness. Problems simply cannot exist in this moment. The mind can only focus on one thing at a time. Practicing mindfulness keeps us anchored in the present moment. Whatever you are doing right now, give it your full attention. If you are walking, feel the earth beneath your feet, feel the breeze on your face, be aware of your breathing, look around you at the trees etc If you are eating, chew consciously, feel the texture of the food in your mouth.

The extent to which we are affected by our moods is in direct proportion to the extent that we are identified with our minds.Through meditation comes the realisation that the mood is not YOU. The real YOU is eternal and unchanging and the mood is simply a passing phenomenon. The relationship with the mood then becomes...So what!


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