As we mature from childhood to adulthood, we learn (or we are supposed to learn) what is appropriate behavior. Appropriate behavior is a consensus of social norms that promotes a civil society. At its best, it keeps everybody happy. From a psychological perspective, we learn to put filters on our thought processes before words leave our lips, and these filters guard us from saying in appropriate things at inappropriate times. Lack of filters, or the lack of use of these filters, cannot only make us look like an idiot (or worse), the result can be offensive to others and cause much emotional harm. There is also often a big mess to clean up! In an age where we are supposed to get in touch with our feelings, the use of filters may seem like a mixed message, but it’s not. As they say in comedy, timing is everything. Filters of the mind serve to act as guards of protection, for both yourself and others. “Filters of the mind” is the protocol of your conscience. Filters of the mind is the ego doing it’s best job daily by letting your conscience be conscious. Put these filters to good use today.
Stress Tip of the Day:
How good are your filters of the mind? (How grounded is your ego?) Perhaps more importantly, do you make good use of them? Filters of the mind begin with the conscious mind asking “if what passes from my lips is true, necessary and kind?” Today, allow your conscience to be more active in your thought process. Once again, meditation is a great way to domesticate the ego and empower your conscience.
Links, Books and Films Worth Noting:
I would like to recommend the book, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. I think he does a great job of putting this concept into practice. Also, the book, The Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindburgh is quite excellent for self reflection.
Quote of the Day:
“When you speak, ask yourself these words: Is it true, is it necessary, is it kind.” —Anne Morrow Lindburgh
Photo of the Day
One of my favorite books is Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s, A Gift from the Sea. To honor her spirit (Is it true, is it necessary, is it kind) today’s photo was taken on the Gulf coast of Florida where Charles and Anne Lindbergh would often take refuge from a stress-filled world. Enjoy!
Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 12 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (7e) and the newly released, A Beautiful World: The Earth Song Journals. He can be reached through his website: www.brianlukeseaward.net
© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.
