This week begins a series of journaling exercises I designed to reduce stress and experience wellbeing even in the midst of challenging circumstances. Enjoy musical accompaniment from Paul Simon and Brazilian samba reggae collective Olodum.
Journal Prompt: Do the obvious
There are four parts to today’s exercise. (See below for guided audio.)
1 - We begin with the prompt:
I don’t know what to do about ________________.
Describe the situation, decision, problem, or issue that is stressing you out. (There are likely several; choose one that feels particularly acute and potent.)
2 - Now get specific about your concerns:
I am afraid that ________________.
Acknowledge where your mind is going in relation to this problem. What is the intolerable future that you fear?
3 - Bring yourself back into this present moment. Right now, today, what is happening with respect to this situation?
Right now the situation is ________________.
Acknowledge both what you know and what you don’t know about the present status.
4 - Lastly, close your eyes, get still, and wait for an answer to this question:
Is there one obvious action for me to take right now?
When that answer arrives, do the obvious.
And if no answer arrives, allow it to be obvious that right now your job is to follow the situation as it develops until the next action is clear.