Thinking for yourself is one of those skills I had to learn as I got older. I had a really bad habit of blindly following what an authority figure would say without ever questioning the reasoning behind it. Another example would be doing something a certain way as this has always been the way it has been done. Well I have put together some strategies here that I think will help you develop your thought processes, to think in a more independent fashion. If you can think of any more methods or strategies, let me know by submitting a comment.
1) If in doubt - ask a question.
Don't be afraid to question things. Don't be afraid to offer a question even though other people in your peer group have not questioned before.
2) Place experience over authority.
If one reflects upon what the authority figure is conveying to you, does it pan out with your real life experience? For example, if someone tells you that all red heads are moody - have you experienced this in your life?
3) Understand People.
Does the person communicating with you have an agenda that might be influencing what they are telling you? What is motivating this person? Why do you think they think this way?
4) Don't feel you have to follow the crowd.
Remember the old adage - if Johnny put his hand in the fire does that mean you have to do that too?
5) Trust your feelings.
Trusting your "gut instinct" about something is often an over looked trait. If something does not feel right to you there is probably something wrong (or at least something seriously flawed) with what you are being told.
6) Remain calm.
Remaining calm and collected will help you remain objective and help you to think clearly. If you get caught up in a heated debated and loose your cool, your capacity for rational thinking is diminished.
7) Gather the facts.
Like any good thinker would do - gather all the facts before making a judgment. Ask yourself do you have all the facts? Are there gaps in your knowledge that is keeping me from the truth or from the solution to a problem?
8) Look at Things from Different Perspectives.
If you are trying to solve a problem - try coming at it in a different way. If one way hasn’t worked for you - try a different one! Try and see ideas or concepts from different perspectives. For example, would someone growing up in Japan think the same way about a subject as someone from Ireland?
9) Cultivate Empathy.
It is easier to understand why people think the way they do if you understand their situation. If I said "All red heads are moody and I don't want anything to do with them!" - there could be a reason for me to be saying this. Maybe I was bullied by a red head in school for example. Empathizing with people helps you understand that you may have a different opinion about something but that’s OK!
10) Be Brave.
It takes courage to stand up and say “I don't agree with you." Be kind to yourself, be patient and don't give up. If you want to learn how to think more independently -it does take time.
Oh and before I go - don't forget to question everything I have just told you. :)
Good luck!
Allen
Thursday, 24 August 2006
10 Tips on How To Think For Yourself!
Thinking for yourself is one of those skills I had to learn as I got older. I had a really bad habit of blindly following what an authority figure would say without ever questioning the reasoning behind it. Another example would be doing something a certain way as this has always been the way it has been done. Well I have put together some strategies here that I think will help you develop your thought processes, to think in a more independent fashion. If you can think of any more methods or strategies, let me know by submitting a comment.
1) If in doubt - ask a question.
Don't be afraid to question things. Don't be afraid to offer a question even though other people in your peer group have not questioned before.
2) Place experience over authority.
If one reflects upon what the authority figure is conveying to you, does it pan out with your real life experience? For example, if someone tells you that all red heads are moody - have you experienced this in your life?
3) Understand People.
Does the person communicating with you have an agenda that might be influencing what they are telling you? What is motivating this person? Why do you think they think this way?
4) Don't feel you have to follow the crowd.
Remember the old adage - if Johnny put his hand in the fire does that mean you have to do that too?
5) Trust your feelings.
Trusting your "gut instinct" about something is often an over looked trait. If something does not feel right to you there is probably something wrong (or at least something seriously flawed) with what you are being told.
6) Remain calm.
Remaining calm and collected will help you remain objective and help you to think clearly. If you get caught up in a heated debated and loose your cool, your capacity for rational thinking is diminished.
7) Gather the facts.
Like any good thinker would do - gather all the facts before making a judgment. Ask yourself do you have all the facts? Are there gaps in your knowledge that is keeping me from the truth or from the solution to a problem?
8) Look at Things from Different Perspectives.
If you are trying to solve a problem - try coming at it in a different way. If one way hasn’t worked for you - try a different one! Try and see ideas or concepts from different perspectives. For example, would someone growing up in Japan think the same way about a subject as someone from Ireland?
9) Cultivate Empathy.
It is easier to understand why people think the way they do if you understand their situation. If I said "All red heads are moody and I don't want anything to do with them!" - there could be a reason for me to be saying this. Maybe I was bullied by a red head in school for example. Empathizing with people helps you understand that you may have a different opinion about something but that’s OK!
10) Be Brave.
It takes courage to stand up and say “I don't agree with you." Be kind to yourself, be patient and don't give up. If you want to learn how to think more independently -it does take time.
Oh and before I go - don't forget to question everything I have just told you. :)
Good luck!
Allen
1) If in doubt - ask a question.
Don't be afraid to question things. Don't be afraid to offer a question even though other people in your peer group have not questioned before.
2) Place experience over authority.
If one reflects upon what the authority figure is conveying to you, does it pan out with your real life experience? For example, if someone tells you that all red heads are moody - have you experienced this in your life?
3) Understand People.
Does the person communicating with you have an agenda that might be influencing what they are telling you? What is motivating this person? Why do you think they think this way?
4) Don't feel you have to follow the crowd.
Remember the old adage - if Johnny put his hand in the fire does that mean you have to do that too?
5) Trust your feelings.
Trusting your "gut instinct" about something is often an over looked trait. If something does not feel right to you there is probably something wrong (or at least something seriously flawed) with what you are being told.
6) Remain calm.
Remaining calm and collected will help you remain objective and help you to think clearly. If you get caught up in a heated debated and loose your cool, your capacity for rational thinking is diminished.
7) Gather the facts.
Like any good thinker would do - gather all the facts before making a judgment. Ask yourself do you have all the facts? Are there gaps in your knowledge that is keeping me from the truth or from the solution to a problem?
8) Look at Things from Different Perspectives.
If you are trying to solve a problem - try coming at it in a different way. If one way hasn’t worked for you - try a different one! Try and see ideas or concepts from different perspectives. For example, would someone growing up in Japan think the same way about a subject as someone from Ireland?
9) Cultivate Empathy.
It is easier to understand why people think the way they do if you understand their situation. If I said "All red heads are moody and I don't want anything to do with them!" - there could be a reason for me to be saying this. Maybe I was bullied by a red head in school for example. Empathizing with people helps you understand that you may have a different opinion about something but that’s OK!
10) Be Brave.
It takes courage to stand up and say “I don't agree with you." Be kind to yourself, be patient and don't give up. If you want to learn how to think more independently -it does take time.
Oh and before I go - don't forget to question everything I have just told you. :)
Good luck!
Allen
Sunday, 20 August 2006
10 Ways to Exercise The Mind
In many ways the mind is like a muscle i.e. if you don’t exercise the mind – it can weaken. Like a muscle, if you regularly test it with exercise, the brain will be become stronger and stay fit and alert. I am sure there are many more spiritual or deeper methods of exercising the mind but in keeping with the theme of my blog I like to keep things simple.
With that in mind :), here are some of my suggestions on how you might exercise the brain and keep your mind fresh.
1. Regularly solve puzzles e.g. crosswords, sudokus and other “brain teasers”.
I find this the single most effective and simple way to exercise the mind. I have noticed if I give them a miss for a while, my brain doesn’t quite operate as efficiently as it might do when I regularly solve my favorite crossword.
2. Play a musical instrument – even if you play it badly.
I play a little bit of guitar and I play it quite badly. I play it for myself and I find it a great way to stimulate a different part of the old grey matter. If you don’t play an instrument then learn how! There are countless instruments out there that you can play badly or you might even surprise yourself and play the instrument well!
3. Paint, sketch or draw. I know what you are going to say. I can’t draw! Well you know what? It doesn’t matter that you are not the next Leonardo Da Vinci, paint or draw for you. I draw sketches now and again and sometimes they look ok and sometimes the look like they have been drawn by a six year old. It doesn’t matter. Do it for YOU!
4. Learn a new language.
This is such a great way to stimulate the mind. I can speak Swedish as a second language and it’s a shame I don’t get to practice it any more. Although my wife and I can have secret conversations in public as there are not that many Swedish speakers in the world. Pick a language you feel you would love to learn but remember some languages are more challenging than others.
5. Learn how to juggle.
I love this exercise. It is a great way to improve concentration and improve hand to eye co-ordination. It also relaxes the mind as you don’t have time to think of all the stresses and strains of life as juggling takes 100% concentration. Go on, give it a go! Its even fun!
6. Play Chess, Backgammon, Checkers or even Go!
These are great and classical mind games and are surprisingly easy to learn but it might take a life time to master Chess or Go! :) .
7. Play computer games.
Strategy games or puzzle games can be great stimulation but like most things in life play them in moderation! I like to play the odd game of “Advance Wars” on my Nintendo DS.
8. Write!
Write poetry, write a short story or even write a blog! :) Even keeping a journal is a great way to flex those creative muscles.
9. Try amateur dramatics.
Acting can be a wonderful release of emotions and very creative. I was involved in an English speaking drama group in Sweden – even performing as part of a cabaret act. It was something so different from my then day job (a computer programmer) and I felt I was able to use other parts of my brain and rest the logical part! There is nothing logical about performing in front of a crowded theatre.
10. Travel.
It is true what they say - travel does indeed broaden the mind. You take in so many things about so many different cultures. You learn that not everybody thinks the same way you have been taught to. You gain an understanding of the world around you and sometimes you have to think fast to meet the challenges traveling can bring. I admit this is not an option for a lot of people but if you ever get the opportunity to travel this world of ours – go for it!
What other ways can you think of to exercise your mind?
Good Luck!,
Allen
With that in mind :), here are some of my suggestions on how you might exercise the brain and keep your mind fresh.
1. Regularly solve puzzles e.g. crosswords, sudokus and other “brain teasers”.
I find this the single most effective and simple way to exercise the mind. I have noticed if I give them a miss for a while, my brain doesn’t quite operate as efficiently as it might do when I regularly solve my favorite crossword.
2. Play a musical instrument – even if you play it badly.
I play a little bit of guitar and I play it quite badly. I play it for myself and I find it a great way to stimulate a different part of the old grey matter. If you don’t play an instrument then learn how! There are countless instruments out there that you can play badly or you might even surprise yourself and play the instrument well!
3. Paint, sketch or draw. I know what you are going to say. I can’t draw! Well you know what? It doesn’t matter that you are not the next Leonardo Da Vinci, paint or draw for you. I draw sketches now and again and sometimes they look ok and sometimes the look like they have been drawn by a six year old. It doesn’t matter. Do it for YOU!
4. Learn a new language.
This is such a great way to stimulate the mind. I can speak Swedish as a second language and it’s a shame I don’t get to practice it any more. Although my wife and I can have secret conversations in public as there are not that many Swedish speakers in the world. Pick a language you feel you would love to learn but remember some languages are more challenging than others.
5. Learn how to juggle.
I love this exercise. It is a great way to improve concentration and improve hand to eye co-ordination. It also relaxes the mind as you don’t have time to think of all the stresses and strains of life as juggling takes 100% concentration. Go on, give it a go! Its even fun!
6. Play Chess, Backgammon, Checkers or even Go!
These are great and classical mind games and are surprisingly easy to learn but it might take a life time to master Chess or Go! :) .
7. Play computer games.
Strategy games or puzzle games can be great stimulation but like most things in life play them in moderation! I like to play the odd game of “Advance Wars” on my Nintendo DS.
8. Write!
Write poetry, write a short story or even write a blog! :) Even keeping a journal is a great way to flex those creative muscles.
9. Try amateur dramatics.
Acting can be a wonderful release of emotions and very creative. I was involved in an English speaking drama group in Sweden – even performing as part of a cabaret act. It was something so different from my then day job (a computer programmer) and I felt I was able to use other parts of my brain and rest the logical part! There is nothing logical about performing in front of a crowded theatre.
10. Travel.
It is true what they say - travel does indeed broaden the mind. You take in so many things about so many different cultures. You learn that not everybody thinks the same way you have been taught to. You gain an understanding of the world around you and sometimes you have to think fast to meet the challenges traveling can bring. I admit this is not an option for a lot of people but if you ever get the opportunity to travel this world of ours – go for it!
What other ways can you think of to exercise your mind?
Good Luck!,
Allen
10 Ways to Exercise The Mind
In many ways the mind is like a muscle i.e. if you don’t exercise the mind – it can weaken. Like a muscle, if you regularly test it with exercise, the brain will be become stronger and stay fit and alert. I am sure there are many more spiritual or deeper methods of exercising the mind but in keeping with the theme of my blog I like to keep things simple.
With that in mind :), here are some of my suggestions on how you might exercise the brain and keep your mind fresh.
1. Regularly solve puzzles e.g. crosswords, sudokus and other “brain teasers”.
I find this the single most effective and simple way to exercise the mind. I have noticed if I give them a miss for a while, my brain doesn’t quite operate as efficiently as it might do when I regularly solve my favorite crossword.
2. Play a musical instrument – even if you play it badly.
I play a little bit of guitar and I play it quite badly. I play it for myself and I find it a great way to stimulate a different part of the old grey matter. If you don’t play an instrument then learn how! There are countless instruments out there that you can play badly or you might even surprise yourself and play the instrument well!
3. Paint, sketch or draw. I know what you are going to say. I can’t draw! Well you know what? It doesn’t matter that you are not the next Leonardo Da Vinci, paint or draw for you. I draw sketches now and again and sometimes they look ok and sometimes the look like they have been drawn by a six year old. It doesn’t matter. Do it for YOU!
4. Learn a new language.
This is such a great way to stimulate the mind. I can speak Swedish as a second language and it’s a shame I don’t get to practice it any more. Although my wife and I can have secret conversations in public as there are not that many Swedish speakers in the world. Pick a language you feel you would love to learn but remember some languages are more challenging than others.
5. Learn how to juggle.
I love this exercise. It is a great way to improve concentration and improve hand to eye co-ordination. It also relaxes the mind as you don’t have time to think of all the stresses and strains of life as juggling takes 100% concentration. Go on, give it a go! Its even fun!
6. Play Chess, Backgammon, Checkers or even Go!
These are great and classical mind games and are surprisingly easy to learn but it might take a life time to master Chess or Go! :) .
7. Play computer games.
Strategy games or puzzle games can be great stimulation but like most things in life play them in moderation! I like to play the odd game of “Advance Wars” on my Nintendo DS.
8. Write!
Write poetry, write a short story or even write a blog! :) Even keeping a journal is a great way to flex those creative muscles.
9. Try amateur dramatics.
Acting can be a wonderful release of emotions and very creative. I was involved in an English speaking drama group in Sweden – even performing as part of a cabaret act. It was something so different from my then day job (a computer programmer) and I felt I was able to use other parts of my brain and rest the logical part! There is nothing logical about performing in front of a crowded theatre.
10. Travel.
It is true what they say - travel does indeed broaden the mind. You take in so many things about so many different cultures. You learn that not everybody thinks the same way you have been taught to. You gain an understanding of the world around you and sometimes you have to think fast to meet the challenges traveling can bring. I admit this is not an option for a lot of people but if you ever get the opportunity to travel this world of ours – go for it!
What other ways can you think of to exercise your mind?
Good Luck!,
Allen
With that in mind :), here are some of my suggestions on how you might exercise the brain and keep your mind fresh.
1. Regularly solve puzzles e.g. crosswords, sudokus and other “brain teasers”.
I find this the single most effective and simple way to exercise the mind. I have noticed if I give them a miss for a while, my brain doesn’t quite operate as efficiently as it might do when I regularly solve my favorite crossword.
2. Play a musical instrument – even if you play it badly.
I play a little bit of guitar and I play it quite badly. I play it for myself and I find it a great way to stimulate a different part of the old grey matter. If you don’t play an instrument then learn how! There are countless instruments out there that you can play badly or you might even surprise yourself and play the instrument well!
3. Paint, sketch or draw. I know what you are going to say. I can’t draw! Well you know what? It doesn’t matter that you are not the next Leonardo Da Vinci, paint or draw for you. I draw sketches now and again and sometimes they look ok and sometimes the look like they have been drawn by a six year old. It doesn’t matter. Do it for YOU!
4. Learn a new language.
This is such a great way to stimulate the mind. I can speak Swedish as a second language and it’s a shame I don’t get to practice it any more. Although my wife and I can have secret conversations in public as there are not that many Swedish speakers in the world. Pick a language you feel you would love to learn but remember some languages are more challenging than others.
5. Learn how to juggle.
I love this exercise. It is a great way to improve concentration and improve hand to eye co-ordination. It also relaxes the mind as you don’t have time to think of all the stresses and strains of life as juggling takes 100% concentration. Go on, give it a go! Its even fun!
6. Play Chess, Backgammon, Checkers or even Go!
These are great and classical mind games and are surprisingly easy to learn but it might take a life time to master Chess or Go! :) .
7. Play computer games.
Strategy games or puzzle games can be great stimulation but like most things in life play them in moderation! I like to play the odd game of “Advance Wars” on my Nintendo DS.
8. Write!
Write poetry, write a short story or even write a blog! :) Even keeping a journal is a great way to flex those creative muscles.
9. Try amateur dramatics.
Acting can be a wonderful release of emotions and very creative. I was involved in an English speaking drama group in Sweden – even performing as part of a cabaret act. It was something so different from my then day job (a computer programmer) and I felt I was able to use other parts of my brain and rest the logical part! There is nothing logical about performing in front of a crowded theatre.
10. Travel.
It is true what they say - travel does indeed broaden the mind. You take in so many things about so many different cultures. You learn that not everybody thinks the same way you have been taught to. You gain an understanding of the world around you and sometimes you have to think fast to meet the challenges traveling can bring. I admit this is not an option for a lot of people but if you ever get the opportunity to travel this world of ours – go for it!
What other ways can you think of to exercise your mind?
Good Luck!,
Allen
Thursday, 17 August 2006
5 Tips on Deep Relaxation and Anxiety Relief
Before we talk about what relaxation IS – let us look at examples of what relaxation IS NOT.
• Slumping in front of the television. Watching 24-7 news programs is not relaxing. The same can be said for soap operas, cop shows and reality programs such as Big Brother. Don’t get me wrong – escapist television has its place but it is not relaxation. It is the opposite of relaxation. It is stimulation.
• Reaching for a beer or alcoholic beverage. Again this is not relaxation. It may be an enjoyable experience but technically you are stimulating your body with toxins and contrary to what you think drinking also interferes with your sleep patterns. You also do not want it to become habit forming were you associate drinking alcohol as a remedy for the stresses in your life.
• Smoking. Nicotine is a stimulant like caffeine so again this practice is actually the opposite of relaxation.
The type of relaxation I am talking about goes much deeper than that. You can carry the feeling of relaxation with you in your tasks through out the day and not only that. You will be much more able to cope with the stresses and strains of modern living. Do you want to know a FACT about relaxation? I like to think of it as Focused And Calm Thoughts. Basically, if you focus all of your mind on something, calm thoughts will follow. This is the basis of most relaxation techniques. So when exploring your own techniques remember the FACT of relaxation.
So here are my tips on relaxation – each method helps focus the mind and helps produce calm thoughts. What methods can you think of that would provide you with deep relaxation?
1. Meditation
This is the deepest form of relaxation and follows closely my FACT about relaxation. Don’t let all the spiritual mysticism surrounding this put you off. Read my article on “Meditation for Restless people” to try a method that I find works for me.
2. Progressive Muscle Relaxation.
This is an excellent relaxation technique. Basically you tense and untense different muscle groups at a time and notice the difference between tension and relaxation in the muscle. Again it follows the FACT about relaxation and you can find plenty of compact disc guides or instructions on the net.
3. Yoga
Yoga is another excellent method to promote relaxation. The great thing about yoga is that it works on the mind and the body. The physical exercises and stretches releases muscle tension and the yoga meditation really relaxes the mind. I can’t count the times I have fallen asleep in my yoga class :-).
4. Prayer.
This is a similar method to point 1 and really is for people who are interested in their spiritual growth as well as deep relaxation. Did you know for example, that the Roman Catholic Rosary prayer is a form of meditation? You are too busy focusing your attention on the different prayers to have time to worry about all the stresses in your life. If you have faith, prayer can be the deepest form of meditation transforming the deepest aspects of your being. So whatever your spiritual beliefs - spending time with your “higher power” instills a deep form of relaxation and calm.
5. Deep Abdominal Breathing.
When you are stressed or panicked you quickly start breathing with shallow breaths. The opposite of this is deep abdominal breathing. Lie flat on your back with one hand resting on your lower abdomen. Slowly breathe in making sure you breathe deeply so your hand resting on your abdomen rises. Breathe in to the count of 5 seconds, hold for 3 seconds and then breathe out on 5 seconds. You will find after a few rounds of doing this that a feeling of deep calm will be felt.
Whatever form of deep relaxation you prefer, try and practice it once or maybe twice a day.
Good Luck!
Allen
• Slumping in front of the television. Watching 24-7 news programs is not relaxing. The same can be said for soap operas, cop shows and reality programs such as Big Brother. Don’t get me wrong – escapist television has its place but it is not relaxation. It is the opposite of relaxation. It is stimulation.
• Reaching for a beer or alcoholic beverage. Again this is not relaxation. It may be an enjoyable experience but technically you are stimulating your body with toxins and contrary to what you think drinking also interferes with your sleep patterns. You also do not want it to become habit forming were you associate drinking alcohol as a remedy for the stresses in your life.
• Smoking. Nicotine is a stimulant like caffeine so again this practice is actually the opposite of relaxation.
The type of relaxation I am talking about goes much deeper than that. You can carry the feeling of relaxation with you in your tasks through out the day and not only that. You will be much more able to cope with the stresses and strains of modern living. Do you want to know a FACT about relaxation? I like to think of it as Focused And Calm Thoughts. Basically, if you focus all of your mind on something, calm thoughts will follow. This is the basis of most relaxation techniques. So when exploring your own techniques remember the FACT of relaxation.
So here are my tips on relaxation – each method helps focus the mind and helps produce calm thoughts. What methods can you think of that would provide you with deep relaxation?
1. Meditation
This is the deepest form of relaxation and follows closely my FACT about relaxation. Don’t let all the spiritual mysticism surrounding this put you off. Read my article on “Meditation for Restless people” to try a method that I find works for me.
2. Progressive Muscle Relaxation.
This is an excellent relaxation technique. Basically you tense and untense different muscle groups at a time and notice the difference between tension and relaxation in the muscle. Again it follows the FACT about relaxation and you can find plenty of compact disc guides or instructions on the net.
3. Yoga
Yoga is another excellent method to promote relaxation. The great thing about yoga is that it works on the mind and the body. The physical exercises and stretches releases muscle tension and the yoga meditation really relaxes the mind. I can’t count the times I have fallen asleep in my yoga class :-).
4. Prayer.
This is a similar method to point 1 and really is for people who are interested in their spiritual growth as well as deep relaxation. Did you know for example, that the Roman Catholic Rosary prayer is a form of meditation? You are too busy focusing your attention on the different prayers to have time to worry about all the stresses in your life. If you have faith, prayer can be the deepest form of meditation transforming the deepest aspects of your being. So whatever your spiritual beliefs - spending time with your “higher power” instills a deep form of relaxation and calm.
5. Deep Abdominal Breathing.
When you are stressed or panicked you quickly start breathing with shallow breaths. The opposite of this is deep abdominal breathing. Lie flat on your back with one hand resting on your lower abdomen. Slowly breathe in making sure you breathe deeply so your hand resting on your abdomen rises. Breathe in to the count of 5 seconds, hold for 3 seconds and then breathe out on 5 seconds. You will find after a few rounds of doing this that a feeling of deep calm will be felt.
Whatever form of deep relaxation you prefer, try and practice it once or maybe twice a day.
Good Luck!
Allen
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