As we discussed last night, there are both modern and ancient schools of thought that suggest the fullest expression of learning may be the mind's ability to control what and how it thinks. In these frameworks, the mind doesn't merely have the capacity to comprehend a static reality; the mind in fact may actually have the capacity to influence reality. Your homework was to conduct an informal experiment in which you set an intention and observed your day.
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“Intentional” Homework
Friday, Dec 19, 2008
This was the last day of school before the holiday break. My intention for the day was to get through everything at school that had been planned. Each of my classes had a test and then a “Secret Snowman” party. I wanted to make sure to keep the kids calm and focused for the test and then have the party. I knew that the mood of the classroom would play a big part in the outcome of the tests. I found that I had this thought in the back of my head all day long. It helped to keep my focused on the part that my mood played in the outcome of this day. The day actually went smoother than in past years and all the test results were pretty good too. I can’t say for sure that the “intent” idea had anything to do with it but didn’t hurt.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
My intent for the day was not to panic because Christmas was so close and I had so little done for it. I did take the time to lie in bed and try to prioritize what had to and could get done this day. I knew if I made the list of things to get done in one day too long I would feel like I did not accomplish everything for the day. I decided that major food shopping was most needed so that is what I did. It took most of the day to go to COSTCO, shop, come home, unload, and put everything away. I did feel successful at the end of the day that my “intent” had been carried out.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
My intent for this day was to finish my shopping for Christmas. I made a mental list of what still had to be done and then got out of bed and wrote down the list. I was out early and home late but everything had been finished. I had decided that I would not go home until it was all done. I also brought along my two daughters for extra help. We did a good job and did not break the bank in the process. I felt really focused on the specific things that were still needed.
Conclusions:
It’s hard to say if this “intent” for the day idea really had any effect. I can say that it did focus me first thing in the morning on what had to get done that day. I am not sure my day would have gone any differently or not but I did have the “intent” thought in the back of my mind throughout the day. If nothing else, it is a good habit to get into. Planning out your day’s activities before getting out of bed kind of clarifies what will happen during the day and gives you the feeling of being prepared.
My intent for this week was all planned out by Monday morning. Monday would be errand running. Tuesday would be relaxing and reading a book. Wednesday would be car wash. Thursday would be house cleaning and Friday would be grocery shopping, expecting my sister and her family for the weekend. Monday went fine, but Monday evening my sister decided she'd like to come Wednesday instead! Major change in my week! Fast forward to cleaning Tuesday, shopping Wednesday, no book reading or car wash! I love my sister and am so glad she decided to come early so we can spend New Year's together, but her intentions definitely interfered with mine. Though even my new intentions for Tues and Wed didn't quite go as planned, I'm not sad about not having time to go through the car wash. I'd much rather have it the way it turned out.
"intentional" homework
Friday, Dec. 26, 2008
The day after Christmas and I had my family over for Christmas dinner the night before. I had spent the past four days baking, cooking and preparing for Christmas. So, when I woke up the next day my intention was to relax, which doesn't always come easily for me but interestingly enough I was able to unwind that day and the next few days.
Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008
My intent was to get in two walks down and back up the canyon I live in and I did.
Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008
My intent for the day was to complete the days' to do list. I tried to keep the list reasonable and in doing so I was able to complete the list which was satisfying.
Thursday Dec. 18
My intention for this day was to be a good sport and to be as positive as possible in dealing with the other mommys at the preschool during the Christmas sing along. All went well and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.
Saturday Dec. 20
My intention for this day was to be as positive as possible - this time with my daughter's dance teacher at the big Christmas dance recital. It didn't work. I can't stand the woman or her disorganized business practices. After today, I have decided that we are on a break from dance and are going to try gymnastics for a while. My intention now is to eliminate stress and people I can't stand from my life when possible - dance teachers fall in to that category.
Thursday Dec. 25
Today I am willing myself to tolerate my mother-in-law and her husband. She threw a little temper tantrum already this week, reminding me of why I have never invited them to Christmas before now. I am not looking forward to it but am going to really try to be a good sport for my husband's and daughter's sake. Since she is in the category of people I can't stand, but is not in the category of people that I can remove from my life when I want to, I willed myself to be patient and positive. Things went just ok. I think I should try some easier affirmations. This was just asking too much of myself. I haven't been able to stomach these people for 10 years and I know better than to subject myself to them and their behavior during important events like weddings, births, graduations, holidays, etc. My revised affirmation is that we're going back to celebrating separate Christmases next year.
"Intentional" Homework
Monday, December 22
My intent for this day was to remain calm even though I had so much to do before Christmas. I did not want my concerns to affect my mood and make it unpleasant for my family. Before getting out of bed Monday, I made a mental list of what needed to get done the next few days and reminded myself to "be happy" and calm, not frazzled. I got up and put Christmas music on and started singing along which set a good tone for the day.
Monday and Tuesday, December 29&30
I received an e-mail letter from a disgruntled parent the day after Christmas that really bothered me. I didn't sleep much at all that night and couldn't get it off my mind the next two days. I was going to Disneyland with my family on Monday and Tuesday and wanted it to be a fun trip. I knew if I couldn't let this letter go, at least while I was gone, I would not be able to enjoy myself and being with my kids. I decided to make the intent each morning to put the letter out of my mind and not worry about it (not an easy thing for me!) so that I could enjoy my vacation. It worked! Every time I thought about the letter on Monday and Tuesday, I remembered my "intent" and pushed it out of my mind. We had a wonderful time together and when we returned there was a message from my principal saying everything had been worked out.
This homework was actually a good exercise for me because even though I have always believed in the power of positive thinking, I realized that I do not apply it as often as I would like.
1-5-09
My experience with this experience was not very good. My intention for the day was to avoid have a more optimistic attitude regardless of whom or what situation may arise. My day started off good and with no stress. This is partly due to the fact I am on Winter Break and do not have to get up as early in the morning. However, around 2 o’clock in the afternoon I was waiting my leaving room awaiting the mail to be delivered. I was specifically waiting for two very important items to be delivered.
Unfortunately, when the mail was delivered the two items I was looking to receive were not there. As a result I became frustrated and depressed for the remainder of the day.
I feel the idea of my mind controlling my reality has some merits and my results should not be blamed on the belief or the practice. I do know with practice and time I will be able to improve my responses to unfavorable situations and outcomes.
I used to set up my day every day. . . This worked pretty good when I was younger and had no responsibilities. As I've gotten older, I have found that when I set up my day, I'm setting myself up for failure. . . My experience with this during the break was no exception.
I tried this technique, and the first time it worked really well. In fact, I was amazed at the results (and how fast my 'goals' happened). However, on the following three attempts, other matters arose throughout the days that required my attention, and I was not able to complete the tasks I had set for my day.
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