Mental Flexibily -- A Healthy Approach

During a very long --- 9 hour-- ride to Canada last week, I found a way to improve my mental health. The source of this knowledge came from a person I was not familiar with --Chinese prophet Lao-tzu.

Being a fan of Dr. Wayne Dyer I picked up one of his CD's, Living the Wisdom of the Tao, which is Dr. Dyer's interpretation of Lao-tzu writings.

One of Lao-tzu's principles is that of flexibility. "What is malleable is always superior to that which is immovable. This is the principle of controlling things by going along with them, of mastery through adaptation."

Intuitively we know that being open and flexible are stellar qualities to possess and as a parent being flexible is the only way to survive. But being flexible with our expectations of both ourselves and others is not as easy. Dr. Dyer suggested an exercise which entails spending an entire day not judging others or yourself and just let things flow.

I have been trying that out the past few days and it does make for a more relaxes, healthier life. I'm not disappointed that others ( or myself) aren't living up to what goals I have in mind, but instead I just observe and accept what happens and keep in mind that what is meant to be will be.

Furthermore I am able to see more clearly that my expectations are based on a very limited source -- my opinion.

I plan to apply this flexibility in all things -- career, relationships, friendships.

I have a feeling that 2010 will be a lot more peaceful.