instinct – DSM (Defeating Stigma Mindfully)

Don’t Be Like Others

Sometimes it feels like there’s no one who you can trust. Even the nicest people can suddenly turn their backs on you and act completely different at unexpected times. It hurts to experience this because you devote energy and kindness, only to be presented with unexpected rudeness and nastiness. The truth is that people love to put us down and we here at The DSM Ready Community cannot allow people to affect our mental health in negative ways.

The most important thing is to not react to others’ rudeness, especially if you have to work with them or associate with them on a consistent basis; in other words, don’t be like others. Even though it hurts to experience rudeness, you want to continue to maintain your composure and demonstrate kindness, professionalism and positivity.

For many people, doing this may prove to be a difficult task because our instinct is to revolt and respond with anger and rudeness. But our instinct is not always right; that’s why society “progresses” and “evolves.” Our instinct is based on genetic traits passed down from previous generations.

But if previous generations held genes responsible for increasing your chances of developing alcoholism, would you continue to stick with your instinct to drink? Sometimes we have to correct our instincts; doing so will improve our lives and the lives of our offspring. So never respond with rudeness when someone stabs you in the back.

This goes back to the bible where it teaches us to kiss and love our enemies. When we do this, we strive to remain calm and good people and demonstrate love in the process. This is the only way that people will learn to improve their behavior. When they see us not react to their rudeness, they will burn inside, wondering why their attacks do not influence us.

We have a role here at The DSM Ready Community: to unite and act as role models for society by demonstrating kindness, purity, love and the acceptance of mental health issues. Through our words and actions we will be able to change the world for the better.

Are you Ready? (This is Defeating Stigma Mindfully)

Intuition Can See Through Illusive Intent

Intuition is the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning. We often find ourselves struggling to balance our mind and intuition; sometimes our intuition is screaming “no!” while our mind is yelling “go!” Balancing the two and bringing them to agree is the key to making better decisions.

Think of intuition as a natural and free guide that is attempting to help you avoid illusive intent, unsafe situations, uncomfortable scenarios or unpleasant future experiences. One may feel intuition originating from their chest; perhaps from the heart? Wherever it comes from, it feels like a natural flow of energy that is telling you the answer right before your eyes.

The challenge becomes listening to our intuition on a consistent basis. What usually stands in the way? Our mind. The brain is like a self-programmed computer that has been developing since its inception. It studies the world around us and processes memories, events, feelings and beliefs. It tells us when to eat, sleep, have sex, exercise or consume alcohol and drugs.

The mind is very selfish: it wants pleasure and comfort. It wants us to survive but not always with the best intent. The mind often argues with the intuition, like a sword fight between two wise ninjas. Only rarely, do they come to an agreement without difficulty. This is because intuition is not selfish; it loves and wants to protect us.

In addition, the brain relies on calculations and past experiences. It bases its decisions on past events and current intent and desires. If it sees an opportunity, it tells us “charge!” But intuition relies on instinct. It doesn’t analyze scenarios; it just knows what is good or bad and tells us “yes or no” in a very natural way that is blatantly obvious.

The best leaders rely on their intuition because they have learned that they make better decisions when they do so. Oftentimes, following your intuition in the moment while ignoring your mind feels very uncomfortable. But as hours or sometimes days pass by, your mind gives up, the smoke clears and you are swarmed with a good feeling and thought in your mind, “wow, I really do feel better now!”

So rather than being selfish and always listening to your mind, take a step back and first listen to your intuition before making a decision. If you find that your mind and intuition are stepping in the fighting ring, it’s probably a safer bet to side with your intuition!

Are you Ready? (This is Defeating Stigma Mindfully)