“We are what we think. With our thoughts, we make the world.” ~ Buddha
When was the last time you heard someone say “happy Monday?” My guess would probably be never.
A few months ago, I had a doctor’s appointment on a Monday morning. I arrived at the doctor’s office, checked in as usual. As other patients began to arrive and check in, there was a common theme among many, including the staff: it is another Monday.
Monday brings up a lot of undeserved negative emotions. It seems that many of us do not look forward to a new week which might be due to the start of another week of work, the pressures of day-to-day weekly activities, appointments to keep and deadlines to meet.
The truth is that we waste an excessive amount of energy dragging our feet, sending out negative vibes to the universe. Research shows that the most common day for heart attacks is Monday. Coincidence?
Undoubtedly some may be experiencing difficult work situations. But how can that challenge be embraced while looking forward to the start of the work week?
Why not begin a new trend…TGIM (Thank God It’s Monday)?
Monday doesn’t have to be a downer and maybe it is time for us to start embracing it! Look upon this day of the week as a fresh start to do good work, make important contributions through that work and reap the rewards for the opportunity.
Eugene Delacroix said, “We work not only to produce, but to give value to time.” What if we changed our perception of work and focused on its value rather than its constraints on our freedom? Imagine changing our perception and actually embracing Monday mornings. How much healthier and happier would our life be?
Our attitude toward Monday can set the tone for the whole week. Let’s explore how we can set the right intention, shift the attitude and start the week the right way:
1.Consider Monday the beginning of opportunities.
Monday is the beginning of opportunities that lie ahead, even if you don’t enjoy your work, put it in its proper perspective. No job has to be a lifelong career. It can be a stepping stone to where we want to be.
Instead of dreading Mondays, why not look at it as an opportunity to do good work and make a difference in the lives of others and the world.
2. Monday is an opportunity for growth.
In every spiritual tradition we find that if work is approached correctly, it can lead to great wisdom. What if we approached our Monday mornings with this attitude? What if we felt grateful and looked at work not just to make our living, but also as an opportunity for personal and spiritual growth? How could this change our lives?
Let me begin with a familiar word: recreation. Now let’s break the word down a bit to re-creation. Most of us see this idea of re-creation as time spent in fun and enjoyable activities. What if your goal for the weekends were to spend time re-creating your inner self so as to view the coming Monday as an opportunity rather than a chore?
3. Look for the goodness.
We often get caught up in the negative sides of our work. In an article How to Be Happy At Work…And To Deal With That Jerk Boss by Vivek Wadhwa, he suggests something very simple: replacing those negative thoughts about work with what is good about our job.
Gratitude is one of the most positive vibrations we can exude. Or as Oprah says, “Be thankful for what you have and you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you’ll never, ever have enough.” Think about things that are good about your day. It may not seem like much, but start with small things, like a great cup of tea, a successful work day and awesome co-workers. There’s always something to be grateful for. And, the more you feel gratitude, the more the things you want will be drawn into your life. (Added bonus: gratitude is contagious!)
4. Meditate with positive Intention.
Meditation is the best medication for stress relief and attitude transformation. Through meditation we can draw out that which is good and more fulfilling for us, whether that is in the form of a new job or a positive perspective about our current work situation.
Let’s say goodbye to the attitude that Monday is the enemy and Friday is our friend. They are sort of yin and yang. We couldn’t have one without the other. It is only because we spend our time working during the week, that our weekends become our sacred periods of rest and re-creation.
Let’s learn to embrace both our work and our relaxation, as they are both important aspects of human experience.
~
Author: Satya Kalra
Image: Jun/Flickr
Editor: Katarina Tavčar; Sara Kärpänen
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