Every bit of the words on these pages is simple philosophy, adapted from the classic eastern and western ways of thinking, including the things that I picked up from learning about indigenous earth, honoring cultures that lived with compassionate perspectives and made each day an adventure in non-harming philosophy. But they are still philosophies nonetheless. So, the question is: how do you get them to penetrate through your defenses, your thinking processes, and your philosophies? How do they integrate and cause change? This is where methodology becomes much more critical than philosophy when we try to integrate a system of thinking into our existing program.
The primary methodology is the return to proper deep breathing techniques for the purpose of getting more oxygen into the blood, lowering the heart rate, and signaling the brain that we are not in danger. No matter what the outside stress is telling us, there are times when it serves no purpose for us to lose ourselves in anxiety. In the anxious state of mind, we enter into primal modes of thinking, starting with self-centeredness, which is childlike at best. In the anxious brain, a cascade of difficult mechanisms begins to unfold. It is inside the anxious brain that we lose our sense of compassion. It is in this brain that we drift from the joy of the present moment. It is in this place that we act compulsively and impulsively. It is in this brain that we struggle to maintain the highest quality character, and even morality. It is in this brain that we worry obsessively. It is in an anxious brain that we start to believe that our addictions will help us to feel better when, in fact, they don’t. They may give us some temporary relief, but they become their own problem and slowly fail to solve anything at all.
The philosophical part of good teachings helps us to understand the concepts that control the mind and our emotions. It is in philosophy that we can learn how to develop our character through our actions and behaviors in the world. But all of these things do not come easy unless we have breathing techniques to relax the brain enough to prevent our overreactions.
Another intrinsic methodology in all of the things that I write about is the discovery of the traumas and difficulties of our childhood and how those experiences shaped and molded who we have become. By becoming aware of our history, we can recognize common patterns and create accountability to ourselves and our healing with specific behaviors that induce positive change. In this methodology, we have to learn how to define acceptance and serenity, and we have to define our addictions, including the ones we still keep. We must think about our behavior patterns throughout our lives, study our relationships with people, and understand the indoctrinations from childhood that shaped our difficulties. We must get to the root cause of our existential problems, both the common and the unique ones.
I sense that most people living in the modern world have some fears of financial insecurity. Even wealthy people worry about managing their amassed wealth and often experience lower levels of satisfaction. Stress exists at every level, even for kings and queens. The least important thing to judge ourselves by is our economic situation. We carry a deep-rooted sense of self based on social structures like education, status, marital status, neighborhood, car, and wealth. These attachments compensate for damaged self-esteem and a lack of awareness of the true nature of reality. The methodology I subscribe to helps us to let go of some of these attachments, but not entirely. I don’t believe you have to become a monk and give up all possessions to gain spiritual enlightenment. Most of us will continue to be parents, have jobs, pay taxes, and adhere to the laws of physics, including the need for healthy eating and exercise.
We need practices that elevate our minds to a higher place. These practices are typical and have been used since humans first appeared. They are so basic that it would be hard to disagree with their efficacy, though you might disagree on their importance or struggle with the mental capacity to stay focused on them. Let’s look at a brief overview of these practices, and you can decide if this book is for you.
Deep Breathing: I hope we agree that learning to take deep breaths through stress can alleviate discomfort in the mind and body. If this wasn't the case, why would women be taught to practice deep breathing during childbirth? Observe how people find relief in a deep exhalation, expelling carbon dioxide and mental stress.
Staying Active: Remaining as active as possible for as long as possible is nature's prescription for detoxifying the body and preventing it from seizing up. We have to work through injuries and fatigue while maintaining a reasonable and intense regimen of movement. Every movement, from getting out of bed to standing in the shower, is a form of exercise. Movement is essential for joy and freedom, especially when we condition our minds to the positive release that comes with being active.
Caring for the Physical Body: We must continually improve our diet and avoid intoxicants. A diet filled with vegetables, fruits, nuts, sprouts, and seeds is essential. We do not need to rely on animal flesh to survive.
Talk Therapy: Talking about our feelings and experiences helps relieve trapped energies. Whether it's talking to a village elder, a mentor, parents, or a best friend, verbalizing our thoughts is crucial.
Writing or Journaling: Great masters throughout history wrote about their lives and philosophies to understand the material better. Writing engages our thinking, helps us edit and improve it, and provides a form of release. It creates an inner dialogue that is valuable during difficult times.
Meditation: Meditation teaches us to control the thoughts that flow through our minds. By observing and breathing through them, we learn to allow them to pass and control our reactions. Over time, this changes our patterns, developing new ones that define our karma, which means cause and effect.
Being of Service: Helping others who want to discover is a positive outcome of writing this material. Serving others is a critical methodology in self-help and personal growth.
Act and Think As if what you want is already true: To tie everything together and truly see a transformation, it's essential to embody the success we aim to achieve. This involves adopting the mindset and behaviors of a successful person. By affirming to ourselves that we are mentally stable, that we have everything we need, and that we are winning, we can foster a positive mindset that leads to positive actions. The immediate benefits of this mindset shift are evident in our body's chemistry, with the release of beneficial chemicals as opposed to those associated with negativity and stress.
The principle of "acting as if" is fundamental in 12-step recovery programs. It acknowledges that while we may initially resist the necessary steps to sobriety and health, adopting the behaviors and mindset of a sober and healthy person can lead to real change. This approach, often summarized as "fake it until you make it," requires a strong mindset but is highly effective. It can be applied to various aspects of life. For instance, if you dislike your job but need to keep it, you can choose to focus on positive aspects and repeatedly affirm your gratitude and love for the job. Over time, this positive reinforcement can shift your mindset.
Becoming better humans involves managing our anxiety and negative reactions. Without effective mental relaxation techniques, we develop negative behavior patterns to cope with stress and trauma. Consistent practice of these methods is crucial, although not easy. We need guidance from teachers, books, lectures, or other resources. Ultimately, this journey is inward. We must confront and understand the darkness within our minds and release attachments that cause suffering. Whether it's over attachments, the uncertainty of the future, or difficulties in focusing, the answer lies in breathing, meditating, and persistent positive practices. No matter how long it takes, never give up on the quest for peace of mind and mental health.