fbpx

One Of My Favorite Stress Reducing Tools

Seeking stress reducing tools? Here’s one of my favorite strategies to think happier – along with a memorable and powerful Buddhist tale.

Have you undergone a very distressing experience? Or are you caught in the chaos and crossfire of a range of challenging things?

Is so, try switching your lens on the world!

Here’s a quickie Buddhist tale on this topic to explain what I mean by “switching your lens.”

Plus I include a simple stress reducing tool – to inspire you to think happier.

A Stress Reducing Buddhist Tale

One day a very wealthy man took his son on a trip to the country, to live a few days on the farm with a very poor family.

His goal:

Teach his son how it was to be poor.

Upon their return, the father asked his son, “So, what did you learn about what it means to be poor?”

The son answered,

“I learned that we have one dog. They have four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden. They have a creek with no end. We have imported lanterns. They have an abundance of stars at night. We have a small piece of land to live on. They have fields that go beyond our sight. We buy our food. They grow theirs. We have walls around our property. They have friends to protect them.”

The boy’s father was speechless.

“Yes, Dad,” said the son, “You showed me how poor WE truly are.”

I love this Buddhist story!

It’s a great reminder that you must decide (right now!) to open your eyes a bit wider.

Try to see whatever stressful situation you’re in from another perspective.

As Marcel Proust said:

“The voyage of true discovery lies not in seeking new landscapes, but in seeing with new eyes.”

And now…

One of my favorite stress reducing tools…

Grab a journal or a piece of paper .

Write at the top of the page these words:

“New Eyes.”

Take 15 minutes to brainstorm new ways to think about whatever is getting you upset.

stress reducing tools

Ask yourself:

  • “What’s a gain in my pain?”
  • “What else could this situation be about – other than the negative meaning I’m giving it?”
  • “How might someone other than me describe this situation – so it has a positive context?” “
  • What would Oprah say?” 
  • “What would Karen Salmansohn say!” LOL 🙂

Remember:

With “new eyes” and an open mind you can create a new reality.

Read more stress reducing strategies & Buddhist Tales to think happier

Enjoy my bestselling ebook How To Be Happy Dammit

Think happier. Think calmer.

Think about subscribing for free weekly tools here.

No SPAM, ever! Read the Privacy Policy for more information.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This