Thought I’d write a few notes in this period before comps — a limbo period of sorts which I’m trying to see as a positive, worthwhile experience, not. Will spend the rest of the week preparing for four one-hour sessions in which I will be asked to cogently regurgitate answers to two broad and two depth questions.
I received a SmartBrief in my inbox, How to Keep Cool When the Heat is On, which recommends a book by Donald Altman, a psychotherapist and author of The Mindfulness Code: Keys for Overcoming Stress, Anxiety, Fear, and Unhappiness — I purchased the book for my Nook and sit here quietly reading for a bit in the River View Media Center — I always get in long before anyone else, so I do not feel guilty about these moments of indulgence.
I am reminded that mindfulness and being in the moment, appreciating the moment we have, and accepting it can make all the difference. Rather than think of these two weeks as limbo, I want to live them fully, be in the moment while preparing and know that it will all be OK.
Accept This Moment from Chapter 1:
The next time you feel impatient or ill at ease, pause right where you are an don’t be so quick to run off to something else. Instead, simply notice whatever feelings (perhaps frustration, impatience, boredom) or thoughts precede your rejection or denial of a situation. You might ask yourself, “What is this that I’m experiencing?” See if you can accept each moment for what it is. This means not that you have to avoid judging which is almost impossible, bu that you notice our judging. To do this, even for a moment, is to sharpen you awareness and nurture a willingness to accept what is present in your life. How wondrous! (Altman, 2010:27)