Non-fulfilled prophecy

I think I've learned a useful new skill (or is a habit of mind?) recently. Like any new skill/habit it's not totally reliable, but when it works it's worth it. On two weekends over the last month I've felt a migraine coming on. Instead of giving in to it, curling up in bed and feeling horrible for several hours of uselessness, I've got on with life. I've gone out with my husband and done some shopping. I've had brunch with friends. Basically I've consciously chosen to focus on non-taxing, but engaging activities. By staying in the present and not getting caught in the negative mental loop of 'I've got a migraine, don't I feel terrible,' I haven't succumbed to it. I know this won't work every time in every circumstance, but when I can it's nice to have the ability to not give in to the chronic migraine prophecy – especially on a nice weekend when I have other plans.

Surprisingly

Two positive things have happened on my two most recent trips on public transport. I'm choosing to focus on the good over the many, minor annoyances that also occurred. First, a lady got on, who obviously knew the driver, and they began chatting. When she was asked how she was, the lady answer, 'Whingey,' with a laugh. I thought that was a refreshingly honest and unusual answer to a stock question. Then, today the tram was very late, which made me late for work. Instead of getting frustrated or anxious, I arranged to have an apology sign put on the room where I was supposed to be teaching a workshop, and I enjoyed the sunshine as I waited.

Less thinking, more being

I realised last week that I keep myself mentally on edge. It's hard to explain. So I've been trying to more fully relax into the moment. If I'm not enjoying what I'm doing, such as when I'm vacuuming or chopping meat, then I try to experience the anticipation of the good that will come from that action. Part of this new step toward being more present is also that I'm trying to be less analytical and cerebral about everyday life. That means not storing up thoughts and ideas to write about here. Therefore, I might start to write in this blog less often. I'm hopeful, though, that when I do sit down to write it will be more engaging and natural.

Not one of the sardines

I've experienced something new about this city in the process of finding a new way to work this past week. I usually take a tram that goes along the most common route. At rush-hour it is often so busy that the first tram won't stop, or if it does then it's squished standing-room only. The last few times I've taken the tram to work, I've gone away from the city for a few stops, then got on a different line. It weaves its way through quiet suburbs, there's always a seat and the atmosphere on the tram is quieter and less frenetic than on the line that goes directly into the city. I had heard people talk about certain lines having their own personality (and personalities on board) and now I have found one that matches mine better than hectically trying to get into the city at rush-hour with all the other sardines.