If it itches don’t scratch it
When we notice something, say a bump on our skin, a negative thought passing through our mind, or the noticeable attitude of a coworker, we are presented with a choice. Will we give our attention to this thing, or will we move on and let it go? Is there really a problem here that needs our attention, or would giving our attention be the trigger for creating a problem in the first place?
Will you scratch the itch?
It can be particularly challenging to avoid “scratching the itch” when we are in an irritable mood. Our biology makes us hyper sensitive when stressed for a reason: survival. In the wilderness we would want to notice danger coming from as far away as possible, especially during times of great stress. In our infinitely safer modern world these reactions don’t suit us quite as well.
The last thing we need when stressed is yet another thing to be stressed about.
Stress creates a slippery slope for even more stress, if we let it. Being stressed increases inflammation, and increased inflation can lead to most every ailment imaginable. So if you’re stressed out to the point of feeling under the weather, you might begin to feel even more stressed about the fact that you feel under the weather, further exasperating the issue.
All spirituality aside, our minds and thoughts have a direct influence on our bodies.
Biology says if we start thinking about the need to defend ourselves, our bodies better start preparing by pumping out the proper [stress] hormones. By thinking we are safe, the body responds again with proper hormones. In our modern world this may be as simple as positive versus negative thoughts.
Earl Nightingale’s “The Greatest Secret” puts it well:
We become what we think about.
But that’s a topic for another day. Back to NOT scratching itches…
Being that stress hormones can make us even more sensitive to outside stressors, it can be challenging not to give in to destructive “itches” when already stressed. This is where mindfulness comes in.
Mindfulness, once chalked up as just another crazy eastern practice, has made its way bombastically into the mainstream. From yoga, to apps, to crazy expensive meditation retreats mindfulness is sweeping through society in full force. And for good reason too, in a world inundated with distractions and information overload we can all use a mental break now and again.
The important thing about mindfulness though, is the training of your ability to objectively look at a situation without letting your animal reflexes make decisions for you. This practice comes in handy in the case of avoiding “itches”.
Whether you decide to take up transcendental meditation, yoga, or just download a free app that promises clearer thoughts in 10 days, I highly recommend practicing mindfulness. It won’t take long for you to notice how your reactions change to social situations, physical sensations, or most importantly negative thoughts.
By being mindful you will be able to avoid “scratching the itches” that could lead you down destructive paths. No picking unnecessary fights with coworkers, no picking of scabs which your body is happily healing without your help, and no negative thought trains to lead you astray from living your best life.
Next time you feel an itch, don’t scratch it.
