Extraordinary results are often within reach if we can access real composure in the midst of activity, right in the center of our busy and stressful life.
One important way to do this is to access -- and simply listen to -- the various voices that reside within each of us. The simple, flat "I" that we so casually and often habitually refer to when thinking about or speaking about ourselves is actually a much more interesting and nuanced collection of "voices." For example, in response to the ubiquitous question "How are you?" I sometimes think, "Well, which voice shall I respond from?" I could answer the question from the voice of great success, of continuing struggle, or of tremendous failure. I could speak from the voice of plans and desires, of busyness, or of composure and satisfaction. I could respond in the voice of a family member, a friend, a spiritual practitioner, or a work colleague. All of these roles, feelings, and voices exist inside me and are true, and each contributes to defining my state of mind in any moment. At the same time, none of these voices completely defines me.
Becoming familiar with our many voices (and recognizing the many voices of others) can increase the depth of our personal awareness and self-understanding. This gives us more choices in how to respond to a situation and increases our flexibility in how we picture ourselves. This suppleness, I believe, simply makes us happier. Underneath, or perhaps at the center, of these voices is a larger, softer, and more subtle voice that is clear and composed; it comes from a place where nothing is lacking and where there are many possibilities. This is composure within the realm of effectiveness and productivity.
Here are a few visual images or metaphors of effectiveness. These images can be used in the moment to remind us to focus, to let go of the chatter of small "voices," and to access the central voice of composure that directs us to the most effective choices. Utilizing one or more of these images can guide us to bring more mindfulness into our everyday lives.
- A lever or fulcrum uses less effort to produce more results. What "leverage" increases your power or effectiveness in a situation? Is it through being present and focused, being a caring as well as a smart leader, being a respectful and enjoyable collaborator on a team? Being a more patient listener?
- A carpenter cuts wood with a sharp saw, not a dull one. Being sharp means the same amount of effort leads to much more being accomplished. (Hint. You are the saw!)
- Life, like metal, appears solid and fixed, but with enough heat both become soft and flexible. Where can you apply the heat of mindfulness so that it softens the harder edges and unnecessary striving in your life?
- Like a tennis player, breathe and lower your heart rate between points. Work in bursts, relaxing in between intense activity.
- Like a baseball batter anticipating a ninety-mile-per-hour fastball, narrow your focus when things move fast, so that you are prepared to swing and hit the ball with precision. Use the power of your attention to slow down your world without slowing down.
- Imagine yourself as the Buddhist icon of wisdom: one hand grounded, touching the Earth; the other hand holding a sword, a sword that can cut through confusion and chaos.
Try using any of these images during your day. For example, just having the intention to respond like a skilled tennis pro, meeting each challenge completely as it arises and then pausing to refresh and stay clear and calm before the next challenge comes, can influence the quality of your efforts.
These images (or any others you think of) work much better than the kind of images I often hear from friends and colleagues, such as the complaints, "I'm about to have a horrendous day!" or "I'm no good at this!" Stressful thoughts can become self-fulfilling prophesies. Thoughts, and the words we use, can influence our experiences and become our reality.