Over three decades ago, Nancy Reagan, the wife of President Ronald Reagan, launched and supported a program to help children get off of using drugs. The program was known as “Just Say No.” My mindfulness invitation for you this week is just the reverse of Nancy Reagan’s program. My invitation is to
“Just Say Yes”
to everything that happens and anything that is suggested to you.
I realize this may sound quite outrageous since there are some suggestions that are made that are obviously not in your best interest or in the best interest of the person making the suggestion. If the suggestion might incur a risk to life or safety, then suggest a diversion. If, for example you are working with a child or a grandchild and they want to do something that obviously might create some risk to them personally, how about simply seeing if you can divert their attention rather than immediately saying “No, you will get hurt if you do just that.”
Some situations it may be very difficult to just say yes. In those situations I invite you to consider the possibility of smiling and simply being pleasant. When a person is suggesting an idea that you find to be particularly aversive to you, again, smile, be pleasant. Do not however engage or initiate any disagreement.
The opportunity this week then is to assess what is going on within you when you say “Yes” as contrasted to situations where you are evaluating, you are judging and you are considering cost and benefits before you say yes.
Since saying no is habitual for many people (or offering no response) engaging the challenge of saying yes activates a mindful consideration of the responses to suggestions that you are mostly likely to offer.
Say yes immediately. Experience what happens to your energy.
Have fun saying yes this week.
Robert
© Parkinsons Recovery