Mindful Monday from Dr. Barbara Walker

"It will be amazing when..."; "I hope...";  "What if..."; "If only...";  "I wish...";   "If ___ were only..." Our language choices are one of the most powerful tools to experiencing and communicating with the world around us. The existence of the subjunctive in our language is mind-blowing and as far as we know, unique to humans. It is the language that is not based on fact.  It is the language that allows us to think and dream about possibilities, scenarios, and inventions that don't yet exist.  Unfortunately, the subjunctive also allows for potential regret about the past - the 'woulda', 'coulda', 'shoulda's.   Once we recognize potential pitfalls of our every day language, we can actively choose a more positive, hopeful, and optimistic outlook.

Suggested Practice for the Week: 1) Develop awareness - What subjunctives are you using with frequency that are keeping you away from becoming a zen master?   An example:  Use of "should" or "should have".  This word may at times have merit, but in general, I find it shaming:   I should have won that; I should have been given that promotion; I should exercise; I should not have eaten that! 2) Evaluate - What's the should about? What 'is' rather than 'should be' or 'should have been' and what are you going to do about it the next time? 3) Catch yourself as you move forward and gently remind yourself to eliminate that thought or way of thinking.     Moving forward, mindfully choose the language that will be the clearest and healthiest for you and for those around you.