Blow off the Flame

A primary school science teacher would tell you that a fire needs three basic things:- oxygen, heat, fuel.   A small candle cannot store much heat in the wick.  By blowing on it, you remove heat by blowing the warm air away.  Since the only fuel available is the melting wax at the tip, it is thus possible to remove the source of ignition - the flame.  Once the source is cut off, it cannot no longer burn no matter how much fuel or oxygen is available.

So in our every day life, how can we inhibit the fuel from burning when we are consumed by anger, sadness, anxiety and every other intense emotion?  We surely know that such emotions are derived from or thoughts, and most of the thoughts that we have today or tomorrow are also thoughts that we had yesterday.  Human beings are simply animals of habits.  We tell ourselves stories with content that we seldom doubt its accuracy, only to next realise that we are re-telling it over and over again even though it is bygone and outdated.  Intriguing enough, some neuroscientists have noted that the physiological lifespan of an emotion in the body is 90 seconds, after which it will dissipate and dissolve on their own.  Still there are other new age advocates who claim that within 17 seconds of focusing on a thought, a matching vibration becomes activated until its manifestation begins when you can remain on it for as little as 68 seconds.

But there is not much relevance here to debate on the precise time period for which emotions can survive.  It is more important to know that we have the opportunity to be mindful about our feelings and emotions moment by moment.  The shift happens when we give ourselves a break to the ruminating thoughts just by witnessing our emotions and becoming aware of its physiological expression - and most importantly, with the mind stepping aside.  The mind (ego) would always want to step in, flex its muscles and play the role of a protector.  And if you find that challenging to do, short-circuits it by proactively but immediately engage in a simple new activity.  Say a mantra, take a few long deep breaths or sing a song.  Your choice.