The medical profession is well aware that our thoughts automatically create matching body chemicals which give rise to our "felt" experiences. They also know persistent negative thoughts such as worry, anger, guilt and shame can cause depression and illness.

Additionally, our current thoughts greatly influence our immediate behaviour.

Our first thoughts, those that arise automatically during situations, influence our immediate feelings (due to the presence of related body chemicals) and our immediate behaviour.

Upon reflection, how often do we regret our immediate behaviour particularly those made under workplace stress?

How often do we act on our first thoughts and feelings? Do we assume that our first thoughts and feelings are always correct or appropriate? Is this just an assumption or belief? Perhaps we automatically link it with our intuitive ability.

Our intuitive ability works best when our mind is at ease yet attentive to the whole situation presenting itself. During this time judgement is suspended, only calm observation and attention is present. Most genius' inventors and artists declare that their best thoughts came intuitively when they were calm and attentive without judgement. They were in their "zone".

The contemporary workplace doesn't always offer the best conditions for us to be in our "zone". Too often we attempt to respond with our first thoughts and feelings, resulting in reactive behaviour that we later regret. During this time, habitual (programmed) thoughts and their related feelings arise automatically, triggered by the presenting situation.

When they are positive, our behaviour is better and the outcomes usually match. When they are negative then our behaviour and outcomes also match. Often the negative thoughts are associated with feelings like fear, anger or frustration. At the same time we are usually not breathing effectively and lack optimum oxygen and hold too much carbon dioxide.

Are these the best conditions for best thoughts to initiate best action?

Upon reflection or review, we discover that there were better thoughts and feelings available that obviously lead to better outcomes.

Therefore our eternal challenge is to insist upon instant review of our first thoughts and feelings before we respond.

This is easily achieved by practicing this simple ritual: -
1. Breath in deeply and easily to the count of four, and ask yourself "Are these the best thoughts and feelings I could have right now?"
2. Hold your breath to the count of four and see your best values you'd like to exhibit now.
3. Release your breath to the count of four, settling on the best choice that comes to you.
4. Now take action in accordance with your better thoughts and feelings.

With practice you will discover that this takes only one full breath to the count of twelve before you take the better action, because in that short time you have adjusted your behaviour.

With practice you'll be able to do it at the speed of thought in only one full breath.
How many situations exist in the workplace when we could not afford to do this?

© 2004 David Deane-Spread