Alchemy means to turn your relationship with a troubling person, place or thing into a positive experience. For instance, a lump of coal pressed by the earth for thousands of years changes into a diamond. Both coal and a diamond are made out of the same carbon element, but the pressure changes the form. And wouldn’t you rather own a fine diamond than a lump of coal?
The pressured, anxious, and “stuck” parts of your life are just the same as the coal and the diamond. You can alchemize the pressure you feel when you have anxiety, depression, anger, fear or boredom into acceptance, peace of mind and enjoyment. You can do this any time you want by starting to think and act differently about whatever upsets you. Try these six ways to alchemize your life.
1. Imagine 10 solutions to every problem.
A problem always has a solution. Think outside the box. Write 10 possible ways to solve it. Don’t censor any idea, no matter how wild it seems.
2. Take responsibility for your behavior.
Be honest. What did you do to put yourself in a position to be hurt? It could be very embarrassing, but you have to do it. Quit projecting your guilt onto everybody else.
3. Say “Thank You.”
Be grateful for everything in your life that puts a smile on your face.
4. Be good to yourself.
Eat healthy, sleep enough, work, play, exercise, explore new places, play music, write stories and poems, join ToastMasters and give speeches, take vitamins, learn digital photography, go to therapy when you need someone to talk to, follow your religion if you have one, go back to school, get a physical exam, listen to your favorite music, read classic literature, go to a scary movie, wax your car, be lazy for a whole day, take your dog for a long walk, hang out with friends, support your family, set achievable goals…or anything else you can think of!
5. Meditate.
Go to a trained Vipassana mindfulness meditation teacher and learn this important skill. Vipassana will relieve your stress, make your brain happier and expand your consciousness for the rest of your life. Meditate every day.
6. Read the Sober Buddha blog.
You will love it!
About Michael Hoffman
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