We were in the car on our way to stay in a remote holiday home in the Catalonian countryside when we realised that we had been so busy living “in the moment” we had forgotten to bring adequate provisions for dinner; we had ‘some’ food but not really enough. My optimistically programmed husband said, “at least we have some eggs.” How true! “At least” is a phrase that we could all probably do with using more often. It is in an indirect way of being grateful for what we do have rather than being concerned with what we don’t.
This week, if you find yourself complaining about some less than satisfactory aspect of your life, or if you have made a small mistake, or if you have forgotten something, please try using the phrase “at least” You will quickly realise that you have ‘more’ than you may realise and there is nothing “at least” about it. By focussing on the positive aspect of any situation you send a message to your subconscious that will enable you to gain greater joy, happiness and peace.
Please read the 5 star reviews that my online program, The Positive Habit is receiving from those who have completed the course.
Recently I created the opportunity for myself to attend a sketching class. I haven’t done anything like this since I was at school and, to be honest, I was like many others in the class who thought that they couldn’t actually draw! I must admit that I am one of many who suffer with limited belief in my talent when it comes to creating visual art. Usually memories of doing art at school come flooding back and the teachers who did their best to inspire. Draw away your fear
The art teacher who took the sketching class recently however must have been trained in positive psychology because she started off by saying, “forget your fear or limited beliefs, leave them at the door, you can do this, it’s lines on a piece of paper.” The way she spoke resonated with me and I decided to go with her advice.
She allowed only pens to be used so that we couldn’t try to start again; this was a wonderful way of encouraging spontaneous drawing and letting go of ideas of perfection. She then pointed out something I do already know – that perfection does not exist.
We were asked to draw flowers in a plant pot and I along with the rest of the class entered the state known as ‘flow’ where all my attention was absorbed on what I was doing. This is a very creative and therapeutic state where time becomes totally unimportant and everything is focussed on the task at hand.
This week, if you have the chance, take this teacher’s advice and leave any fear or self-doubt at the door where it belongs. Believe in your talent to achieve success in whatever endeavour you are engaged in. My sketch may not be a masterpiece but it’s better than I thought it would be and all because I opened my mind and let go off negative thought patterns. In the words of Thomas Edison, “if we did all we are capable of we would literally astound ourselves.” A few more art classes and who knows what’s possible…!
Please read the 5 star reviews that my online program, The Positive Habit is receiving from those who have completed the course.
Fiona Brennan discusses how many of us are suffering low-level anxiety unnecessarily and unintentionally and offers great tips on how to combat anxiety attacks. Please see article in Irish Tatler at the links below. Anxiety attack Irish Tatler.
Fiona Brennan on alustforlife.com discusses the reason why so many of us are many of us living stressed lives, rather than thriving.
Until the birth of the Positive Psychology movement, most psychologists concerned themselves with fixing unhappiness, anxiety, stress and depression. By contrast, the basic premise of Positive Psychology is to reach beyond a normal state (where we feel we are merely coping or just plodding along) and to tap into our ability to flourish. In other words, to go beyond survivingto a state of thriving. Read more here…
dafdaf dfdf adffad afdfffds ggdgsd agdgadg a gga gg aaa a aggegsa a aga aga ag a ag ag agasg ag ag agas gag asg ag
This quote on happiness from the Russian novelist seems, at first glance, almost too simple. With a little reflection, the depth of his words become profound. The state of “being” and not doing is at the core of mindfulness and meditation. The cultivation of “just being” is the constant returning of our awareness back to the present moment. When we are truly “being” in the present moment and our minds are free from the constant traffic and noise of our thoughts we have every chance to implant the seeds of happiness and joy. just bejust be
This week, try to quieten your mind by observing its relentless activity and focusing only on what is here and now. Without the “white noise” of the mind dictating your every moment you will find a peace and tranquility that will enable you to engage more fully with life. Just be.
Please read the 5 star reviews that my online program, The Positive Habit is receiving.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok
I believe in the phrase “ at least ”.
Fiona Brennan discusses how many of us are suffering low-level anxiety unnecessarily and unintentionally and offers great tips on how to combat anxiety attacks. Please see article in Irish Tatler at the links below. 
