The Happiness Trap ACT Now

Yes still picking apples!!!   

I am back into reading after a break.  I'm thinking it must be because the weather has turned chilly and I just love curling up on my comfy couch with a good read. Lucky for me I live in a quiet spot, so the book really does get my full attention!  There are many good books around these days, it really isnt difficult to find a good read.  But yes there is a difference between a good read and a great read.  A good read is enjoyed and then as the days tick by forgotten.   A great read stays around, almost with you somehow and its messages urge you to think or do something differently.  A great book can change how you see things, can change what you do and in fact can change habits, patterns and outlooks.  Ahh the power of the written word.  Who would have thought that the writer could hold such power - no its not the writer - for they are but words - ah yes it is the reader who holds all the power if they will allow it.  So check in when you next read and make a mental note about what the book's messages mean to you and what are you going to do as a result.

For me, I have just re-read THE HAPPINESS TRAP and its messages are just as relevant today as they were in 2007 when it was first published.  The author Dr Russ Harris, an, Australian based psychologist and specialist in acceptance commitment therapy has much to say that hits a cord with me.    I love all the stuff about transforming your inner world .  And my all time favorite bit is a strategy to support you when you find yourself caught up in a negative cycle or feeling guily ot beating yourself up over something. As Harris states;
"..there's no point in beating yourself up when you screw up or fail to follow through.  Guilt trips and self criticism don't motivate you to make meaningful changes; they just keep you stuck, dwelling on the past, which is something you have no power over.  So after each relapse keep coming back to the basic ACT formula.

Accept your internal experience and be present
Choose a valued direction
Take action

So what does this mean in practice? 

Well the first step, once you've gone off track, is to recognise it consciously: to be fully present with what's happening. Ar the same time, you need to accept that once this has happened, you can't change it; there is no way you can possibly alter the past.  And while it may be valuable to reflect on the past and think about what you might do differently nect time around, there's no point dwelling on it and cricifying yourself for being imperfect.  So accept that you went off track, accept that it's in the past and is now unchangeable, and accept that you're human and therefore imperfect. 

The second step is to ask yourself: 'What do I want to do now?  Rather than dwelling on the past, what can I do in the present that's important and meaningful?'

Then the third step is, of course, to take committed action in line with that value."

If you like the sound of this acceptance commitment stuff, here are some websites you might want to have a look at. 
http://www.mindfulnessresources.com/
http://www.actmindfully.com.au/
http://www.mindfulnessatwork.com/

And please do take a minute, the very next time you have a troublesome throught or a little negativity running through your mind to ACT and see how it works for you.  I love it!  Let us know how you go!

And still picking apples..... would love to receive some great apple recipes.