INTENSE-MIND: the rollercoaster of emotions.

Last year, after going to the movies with my kids, I wrote a FB post, which I now wish to blog-post, so that it can serve those that every now and then choose to spend some time in this inspirational space. We went to see the movie "Inside-Out", translated into Spanish as "Intensa-Mente". An “Intense-Mind”, a totally different literal meaning to its original title in the English language, but nevertheless equally authentic, accurate and inline with the content of the film. What an interesting way to introduce children to the vast world of emotions. My niece and nephew were also there, and during the movie each one of them was able to identify which of those emotions is the one that most regularly visits them. It was important that they understood, that in the land within our minds, is to Joy, to whom we must sell a whole plot or a long term lease until eternity! However, it was also important to make them understand that other emotions also exist, and that all of them and many more will visit us throughout our lives, in more or less short intervals; but non should be eligible to even let a room in our lives. They should come, do their work and leave.

Anger, Disgust, Sadness and Fear, knew how to play their roles, but it was clear that they do not contribute much to our wellbeing if they stay permanently in our lives. Uncontrolled anger, fury and constant rage makes us hurt those whom we love and ourselves; disgust, arrogance and little empathy isolates us from the rest of our congeners; fear, fright and insecurity, paralyzes us and do not allow us to step into our greatness and our best potential; and sadness, is crucial to process certain situations that, if remain inside, will turn into greater pain and bitterness. It is very much welcome when it allows us to step into our vulnerability, and by doing so, wash off in tears our pain and sorrow. It is great to relieve us from heavy weight sentiments, but if it tries to stay, it can turn into a depression, and endanger our spirit.

Definitely guys, God gave us this life to be happy, and happiness is closely linked to gratitude, and the great ability to always see the bright side of things. That is why, since last Friday and after hearing a webinar about Consciously Creators, I have introduced a new ritual before bedtime prayer with my children: The Appreciation Game. I encourage you to do it too. Before going to bed, and before praying, this it is what we do: We must all answer three questions:

1. What is something you feel grateful for today? - Gratitude

2. What is something you appreciate about yourself? - Self-Esteem

3. What is something you appreciate about your sibling and your parents? (in my case what I appreciate about the kids and husband) – Appreciation and gratitude to others.

Sometimes the kids are blocked and do not know what to say; when they are, I try to give them ideas about things, actions or events, that refresh their memory on why they should be thankful and/or why they should love and appreciate themselves or their family more. I also try to model with my own statements of gratitude an appreciation.

While we live in a world that tries to instill in us a whole bunch of negative emotions everyday, we have to establish the intention of winning the game of JOY.

#insideout #emotions #joy #gratitude