Stop Anticipating the Worst!

 

Kicking the Moon

"The moon is opposing Jupiter;

Don't get involved;

It's their problem."

James Critchfield

The day before I had gallbladder surgery I was like a whirling dervish, spinning faster and faster, trying to put everything in order before I was laid up. This ritual dance is a must do before any perceived interruption in the known future, including vacations. 

To stop myself from 'anticipating the worst' or fretting about what's going to happen, I did all those mindless tasks I usually avoid to prepare for the surgery and beyond--Vaccuming and dusting the house; washing all bedding and towels; shopping for food; preparing chicken soup and other 'just in case' meals; and taking my daily walk on the trail.

Just like the Moon opposing Jupiter, during times of transition when we're face to face with an uncertain future we're awash with competing emotions inside. 

In the emotional conflict, too often our more emphatic and fearful self kicks our calmer and more reasoned self out of our head, leaving us twitter-patted and anticipating the worst. 

To stop anticipating the worst, take James Critchfield's humorous advice. When one part of your inner universe is opposing the other, "don't get involved; it's their problem".

But how do you do that? You stop thinking, and move into a matter-of-fact doing mode. In other words, just actively do what you have to do to move through the current challenge while staying in the present. 

Another word for anticipation is future-tense.  To anticipate the worst you have to be future-oriented instead of present-oriented. It's our focus on the future that makes us tense.

How to Stop Anticipating the Worst

But taking action is done in the present. When you stay focused on doing instead of thinking, you use one or more of your 5 senses which can only be experienced in the moment or present. 

• See, hear, taste, touch, smell. Waken your senses.Get out of your head.
• Go for a walk. Smell the flowers. Look for birds. Feel the wind and sun.
• Cook a new meal. Focus on following the recipe. Smell the aroma. Taste the dish. 
• Draw, color, or paint. Feel the color.
• Read emotive poetry outloud. Let your inner moon smile at your inner night.

The Moon Smiles at the Night

"The Moon, 

Like a flower in heaven's bowers,

With silent delight,

Sits and smiles at the night."

William Blake