Mental exercise: Desert scene

This is a fun mental exercise. I found this rather fascinating. I see things in it that I both agree and disagree with. Whatever the case, it's very fascinating.

You can read about it here: http://oliveremberton.com/2014/how-to-connect-deeply-with-anyone-in-5-minutes/

These are my answers to the questions.

1. The cube. It's small. Maybe about 5 inches across. It's metal. Polished to be perfectly reflective on each side, like mirrors. It's on the ground, sitting flatly on the sand.

2. The ladder. Medium height. Wooden. Very simple; two sides and simple wooden rungs. Slim, but sturdy. It's base is shoved down into the sand so that it is propped up, vertical. It's standing a few feet behind and to the left of the cube.

3. The horse. A sturdy bay horse. Nothing exotic. But not a work horse. A smart, quiet, companionable horse. Steady and sure footed. Like one a cowboy or adventurer would ride. Very reliable and loyal to it's rider, but also it has a mind of it's own and will from time to time disobey or get into mischief to remind its owner of that. It's standing a short way from the cube, to the right. It's farther away than the ladder. Maybe 10 to 15 feet from the cube. It's fully saddled and ready to go, but it's bridle is hanging down to the ground as if it's rider should be there but is somehow missing. As if the rider dropped it. It's waiting for someone to pick up the bridle so that they can go. But it's not fidgety. Just patiently waiting.

4. The flowers. Crocuses. Small, close to the ground. Purple. Sprouting out of the sand in little clusters. Each cluster is a fair distance from any other. Random distances. Some closer, others a long ways away. There are probably 5 or 6 clusters in the main view, but they grow scattered all across the desert. The horse is standing next to one cluster. Every so often it puts its head down to sniff and nibble at it. But he leaves it there and doesn't eat it.



So. I guess that's me.

Stages of Stress

I'm beginning to see that extended stress, like grief, has stages. First comes denial. You realize that something stressful has begun but you want to imagine it'll be over soon, so just don't 'look it in the eye'. Second come acceptance. You see that you are stuck in the situation and you have to recognize this as reality. Third is dread. You brace yourself because you're not sure how long this is going to last but you know it's going to be very uncomfortable. Fourth is anxiety. You can't relax. You can't eat because your stomach is in knots. You can't sleep because your mind won't stop worrying. Fifth is numbness. You are burnt out. Food is flavorless. Your perspective is fundamentally pessimistic. Why are you even trying anymore? Sixth is anger. This is stupid. Where did this come from? How can something that didn't even exist a couple month ago be ruining your life? Seventh is sarcasm. You eventually realize that life is still happening despite your predicament and you can either let this continue to sap you dry, or you can choose to see humour in it. This tends to be a very dry, sarcastic, twisted sort of humour. But it feels better none-the-less. Eighth is sorrow. You realize that you may be able to laugh your way through, but your problems still remain and pressure continues to build. You don't know if this will ever end, and your just... flat on the ground like roadkill. Ninth is determination. This is a stepping stone. Because it doesn't matter what it is, it will pass. It's be hard and messy and scary, and it'll probably hurt, but it'll pass. If you cannot control your situation, then you must work your way through it. Look around and see what else is happening in your life. Take a deep breath. Live on.

Look down.

This is for you:

Look down. That's your chest. Watch it rise and fall as you breathe. Lungs! If you hold really really still maybe you'll be able to feel you heart drumming beneath your ribs. They've been up all day and all night on your behalf. They believe that you have a right to be alive today. Go on, Say, "thank you." Out loud. And that's your voice. Rather pleasant isn't it. Always at your beck and call. Ready to jump in and assist you when're you have the urge to exclaim anything. So loyal. It comes out of your mouth. The one smiling. On your face. That's the front of your head. Unless you are looking in a mirror you cannot see your head. Think about that. Every day you look around at the world and your head hides out of sight. Sure you use your head but you probably never go, "Oh yeah. I'm using my head right now. That thing, up there, that I can't really see." Touch it to make sure it's still there. Hey! You moved your arm! Your brain did that! That what the rest of your head is for: holding your brain. Your control system. Your memory bank. Your emotion-meter. Your idea maker. Your identity: You. Just saying, your head is awesome. Hands down the coolest thing about you.

So stop judging yourself from outside. You know diddly squat about 'outside'. You exist inside. Judge yourself by you imagination, your desires, your compassion, your sense of humour, your unique perspective!! Let outside make of you what it will. What the heck gives you the idea that you know what outside makes of you? Money comes and goes. Time and accidents can change your looks. Experience affects situation and location. Around you others are drawn to you or repelled from you for countless reasons. But you, are stuck with you. The real you. Love you!! And love others. Real others!! That, my friend, is how you find true love. wink emoticon

The end.