I don’t have as rosy view of the world as Duncan does. I read the headlines and skim some articles every morning to see the latest ways things are going to hell in a hand basket. Then I spend the rest of the day practicing the art of reviving my spirits.
It’s good practice in emotional self-management. And I do think that’s an art. I agree with Thoreau:
It is something to be able to paint a particular picture, or to carve a statue, and so make a few objects beautiful; but it is far more glorious to carve and paint the very atmosphere and medium through which we look. To affect the quality of the day—that is the highest of arts.
— Henry David Thoreau
I’m not necessarily good at it, but that doesn’t matter. Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly.
What techniques do I try? All sorts. One of the simplest is using iGoogle, with the tea house theme, as my home page. It sends a powerful subliminal message to stay centered and peaceful.
The picture changes 12 times a day as the fox goes through his daily routine. (Click on each picture if you would like a larger view.)
We have gazillions more techniques at our disposal, of course, but this is one of my favorites. Which, if any, do you use?
Cool! Use whatever works for you! That is an amazing piece of technology!
.-= suzen´s last blog ..Happy Winter Solstice! =-.
suzen,
Yes, it’s so easy to use and it keeps my subconscious centered and tuned into the important things in life. I believe in being lazily proactive. 😉
The Thoreau quote is beautiful. Thank you. I turn the computer on twice a day to check mail in the mornings and late in the evenings to attend to my work and to attend to blogging and commenting. In between, I am just lazying around unless the help does not come when I become the help. I have no view of the world at all. I take it as it comes and leave the major decisions and discussions to more qualified people.
.-= Rummuser´s last blog ..Human Rights Activists Be Damned. =-.
Rummuser,
Hmm. You have more faith in the powers that be than I do: “I take it as it comes and leave the major decisions and discussions to more qualified people.” In many cases I don’t believe they’re that competent, but many of them are a lot more motivated by money and power than I am. So I occasionally write to my Congressmen but mostly don’t waste time on issues I have no control over. We agree about that. 🙂
I do a lot of lazing around too. My moodling time is basic to my mental health and creativity. I do exercise every day because it’s one of the best mood lifters I know. Do you do anything special to put more joy in your life or do you leave that to chance?
bikehikebabe,
I’m glad it worked for you. It’s fun to be able to change themes, isn’t it?
I did it—with Jean’s help. Now I can get the tea house theme with the fox’s day anytime. Yea! iGoogle comes up with Google.
Very nice. I think it is always important never to become jaded nor lose our sense of curiousity. We should always have a sense of wonder or delight. I think my life is interesting because there is always something new and interesting to learn. Especially when you transplant yourself from one completely different society to another.
gaelikaa,
Amen to that! Curiosity is my favorite emotion.
“Do you do anything special to put more joy in your life or do you leave that to chance?”
I blog! For the content in my posts, comments and responses, I leave it to my Muse!
.-= Rummuser´s last blog ..My Friend Rajan Phanse =-.
Rummuser,
I agree with that!