Chutes and Ladders
Why are bad moods so catching??!
Low vibrations seems to have a velcro quality that makes getting yourself out of them challenging.
Negative energy has an undeniable pull. 🏋🏽‍♂️ 288 Days has brought with it a change of scenery with a lot of ups, but also some downs as we experience the stress of new things: a new school, new friends, and new limitations (like no internet, no car, minimal Japanese language skills, a washer but no dryer).
Living in community has been really great, but having people around all the time (we’re also sharing a house) also makes it difficult to hear your own thoughts.
Last week, my son came home stressed (though he didn’t realize it for a while) from assessments happening at school. He was angry at his sister, then angry at me, then just angry at life.
Later that evening, after everyone was calm again, we talked about how easy and reflexive it is to ride the wave downward.
🌊 A low-vibe emotion leads to low-vibe thoughts that lead to low-vibe actions (like snapping at everyone). And it takes so much intention to shift gears. The momentum you gain going down is not easily redirected to an upward path - especially if it’s not your practice.
He and I were quick to see that the difficulty is in the default habit. Even when he was feeling a little better, he would reflexively put himself down or make a negative aside.
Your habits are either chutes and ladders. Unwanted things happen, but your habits help you slide lower or climb higher.
High vibrational energy is an equally powerful force. For many of us though, it’s probably less available. You can’t always count on having someone else around to lift you up. And honestly, if your habits are hurdles even someone else’s upward pull might not be enough to buoy you.
Down or up, you must choose which wave you’ll ride. 🛝 Chutes or ladders 🪜
You’ve got to know how you feel in any given moment to be aware of what you’re most likely to choose. If you aren’t practiced in looking at things constructively, your instinctual thoughts and reactions are likely to be blocks to your own happiness.
This week’s practice is a foundational principle for living high vibe. Ask yourself: How do I feel right now? Your answer lets you know which direction you’re headed. And if it’s not the way you want, you get to choose feeling good.
Practice using your intention in the small moments. It’s easier when you’re making a slight adjustment to your trajectory than a huge one. And every degree you shift upward offers you a little more strength training for your mental muscles.
Beware of the power of the pull.
Good days and bad days are internal perspectives.
There’s always something to be upset about. But there’s always something to feel good about if you are looking for it.
Which way are you headed?
