January . . . The Tools of Joy

• Tools

Most people gain weight during the holidays. Not me. I'm on the run, and feel excited, somewhat stressed, but never bored. Than comes January. Rain. Darkness. No Spring Blossoms in sight. Banana bread looks more enticing than Christmas cookies ever did. This year I'm better informed. If I can just light up my left prefrontal cortex, sending ripples of pleasure through my body, the stress soaked right prefrontal cortex arousal will... be swamped. In EBT we integrate natural lifestyle pleasures, good health care and the tools to rewire the real culprits -- allostatic circuits -- and January poses such a challenge that all three are in order. Consider these tools: Health Care -- What medications are you taking that you need to offload? Which do you need to start taking? What about that pain in the neck, hormonal imbalances, early morning awakenings, and anything that keeps you from experiences an abundance of life's natural pleasures: eating health food, emotional connection, sensual pleasures, meaningful pursuits, sports, dancing,, hiking, playing, praying, meditating, drawing, painting, building, digging, and making snow angels with the kids? Lifestyle -- All of the above. EBT Tools -- Wake up in the morning, and check your number. USE A TOOL or just bring to mind your charge for the day. The world distracts us with minutia and feeling pulled in all directions. Center yourself, by stating the expectation that is at your core . . .here are a few: I am creating JOY in my life. I am following my spiritual path. I will be aware of my emotions, present and intensely alive. I will be a source of love in the world. I will feel compassion for myself, for others and for all living being. I will not judge myself. I will not judge others. This sounds different than the usual stress laden expectation: I must endure. I will get what I want when I want it. I will check off my "to do" list. I will put in 8 hours at work. I will cope with the demands of life. They don't light up the left prefrontal cortex because the brain is set for intentions that are in line with the survival of the species: cooperating, being of service, giving back. So when January hits, and you want to light up your life, think of all three strategies, but bank on the last one. There is nothing that can compete with a pure desire to stay deeply connected to our purpose in life.