The Emotional dimension is the cornerstone of well-centered fitness. It is built upon a foundation of Spiritual and Physical wellness and supports the Intellectual and Social dimensions. The Emotional dimension, thus, is influenced by and affects the other dimensions. It is also perhaps the most fragile of the dimensions.
Consider the effort that we put into our morning routine. We may spend an hour or more every morning journaling, reading, exercising, etc. only to have our positive attitude washed away by a careless driver who cuts us off. Therefore, maintaining our Emotional well-centeredness is a constant challenge.
Amidst the chaos of the day we must be vigilant to guard our emotional state. We must begin with a positive attitude and regularly hit the “refresh” button. Unguarded, we are sure to be affected by the toxicity and negativity that surrounds us.
As the dimensions of our well-centered fitness are interconnected, we must consider each of these in our efforts to be positive and encouraged. Exercise, meditation, prayer, reflection, reading, and the other morning activities of a “well-centered” individual set the course. Nonetheless, we must take steps to remain positive throughout the day.
Our “environment of excellence” (Jim Harshaw) is critical to maintaining our emotional status. The physical environment of excellence will include a clutter-free home, car, and work space. We must surround ourselves with people who uplift and encourage. Negative people are toxic and suck the life out of anyone. Music, pictures, and cheerful colors brighten our space. We must make every effort to remove negativity from our environment.
Remember, our attitude shapes our attitude. Likewise, our environment is what we choose it to be. Our emotional state is also a choice. That’s right. We cannot blame anyone or anything for our lousy attitude. If you get knocked from a positive trajectory, right the course. Do something to get back on track.
Driving is my emotional nemesis. Two hours of intentional effort in the morning can be destroyed before I even get on the on ramp to the highway. I am embarrassed to admit it, but I am known to lose my cool—my well-centeredness—when driving (admittedly, it is more the norm than the exception). The choice is mine, however, whether I allow myself to continue a negative course or get myself quickly back on course. Key is to not get deflected in the first place.
How can we protect our emotional state?
–Productive pause—Take time throughout the day to relax, meditate, collect your thoughts, etc.
–Music—Listen to upbeat, positive music throughout the day.
–Mastermind/mentors—Surround yourself with positive people.
–Humor—Laugh it off. Don’t let people or situations get to you.
–Exercise—Sweat out your frustrations.
–Read—Read motivating books.
–Socialize—Seek out friends who are supportive and encouraging.
–Journal—Start the day with positive thoughts and goals.
—Carpe momento—Take care to enjoy the moment and consider your circumstances to be “opportunities” rather than burdens or challenges.
–Scroll—Don’t linger on negative social media. Focus on the positive.
Emotional well-centeredness is the keystone. The keystone supports the surrounding structure. Additionally, it gains its stability from the surrounding stones—i.e., the other dimensions (Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, and Social). Together they form a solid structure.
“It’s so important to realize that every time you get upset, it drains your emotional energy. Losing your cool makes you tired. Getting angry a lot messes with your health.”—Joyce Meyer