by Cesar Gamio | Feb 6, 2021 | Emotional Wellbeing, Mental Wellbeing
Let’s make the most of the time that has been given to us.
Are you feeling a bit dull, bored and a bit jaded with all the restrictions that have been imposed? Welcome to the club! Most of the people I’m interacting with are more than fed up with how long this situation is taking to be resolved. I don’t blame them for feeling that way quite frankly.
However, the way I see it, we have two options: we can be morose, bad-tempered and disappointed, or we can make the most of the time that has been given to us.
Once we go back to living a normal life, wouldn’t it be nice to say to yourself: “During the period of restrictions, I learned to play a musical instrument”, or “I read all those books that have been sitting on my shelves for far too long, and developed a new skill on top of that!”
Would it not be nice if you knew you spent this time reconnecting with a childhood pastime, or taking on a new hobby, or found an exercise routine you love? If you learned to meditate or reconnected with people you trust and care about but haven’t seen in years because they live far away?”
In my case, I decided to learn how to play bass. Although I’m no Geddy Lee (Rush) or Paul McCartney, learning to play their songs has been a balm for the soul during this time.
So come on, redesign your days and evenings, and create something in your life that will help you navigate these restrictions. No matter how big or small, make it work, make it last and enjoy your gift for days to come.
Always at the service of your wellbeing,
César
by Cesar Gamio | Aug 18, 2020 | Emotional Wellbeing
It’s mesmerising how a subtle shift in how we perceive a given situation can change what we say, do, or feel about something.
Reflextion of the week: “Even if nothing changes, if I change, everything changes”
Do you remember the last time you were upset at something someone said or did? Can you recall the emotion you felt? Was it anger, frustration, dismay, disappointment, indignation, or something else?
Now I invite you to review the same incident, but from the perspective of the other person. What if this person was going through some kind of struggle? What if he/she is going through a very unhappy period in his/her life?
Knowing this, would you have reacted differently? Would you feel differently?
It’s mesmerising how a subtle shift in how we perceive a given situation can change what we say, do, or feel about something.
Try it right now, and let me know what you experience.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Please write them in the comments section below.
by Cesar Gamio | May 29, 2020 | Emotional Wellbeing
An effective way to help you move from resentment to liberation
Are you feeling bitter about having been treated unfairly? Are you still annoyed with someone for what this person said or did? Resentment is one of those difficult or unpleasant feelings which, if left unchecked, could do us more harm than good. As humans, we are emotional beings by nature. Emotions are part of the human dynamic, so if we ever feel resentful, we should not feel guilt or be too hard on ourselves.
What creates the damage, however, is holding on to resentment. This is an emotion that should have a shorty life cycle; otherwise, the toxic fumes of long-lasting resentment will begin to contaminate our physical, mental and emotional health.
The most effective way to deal with resentment is forgiveness, the conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of vengeance or resentment toward someone. When you forgive, you are not necessarily forgetting, denying, excusing or condoning the seriousness of the wrongdoing. You are not even obligated to seek reconciliation with the other person.
By consciously releasing your unpleasant feelings, you are giving yourself peace of mind. You are liberating yourself from the corrosive properties of unchecked anger. By letting go, you empower yourself to recognise the pain you suffered without letting the pain define you, enabling you to heal and move on with your life.
So, whom will you forgive today?
by Cesar Gamio | Apr 22, 2020 | Emotional Wellbeing, Mental Wellbeing
Practical ways of deepening the connection with your child during confinement
For many of the road warriors out there like myself who spend a significant amount of time travelling for business, having been confined in my home for weeks has been an unusual experience. But quite early on during the lockdown, the words of the wizard Gandalf the Grey echoed in my mind: “All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you”.
One aspect that I have enjoyed the most during this quarantine is connecting with my children at a much deeper level, albeit not in my terms. Here are a couple of ways to deepen the connection with your kids:
1.- Follow their passion.– Start by asking a simple question: what do you love? My son is 16, and my daughter is 11, and it has been fascinating to witness the dynamic shift in their interests over the course of time. Go out for a walk and talk about their taste in books, magazines, music, television series, etc. – you will be in for a surprise!
2.- Play by their rules.– Set aside time to play with them, but given them carte-blanche to decide the type of game and the rules. Just by mindfully observing them from creation to execution, you will learn a great deal about the gifts that you have been given.
