Kicking Up the Cobblestones
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Do you know that Simon and Garfunkel tune? You know the one where they say … “Feelin’ Groovy!” That came into my head as I was thinking about what to blog on today. Another psychology topic, that makes two in a row. This one is more specifically about what I call the “Psychology of Perception.” I have been interested in in psychology for almost two decades now. All throughout my 20’s (the 1990’s) I read books by authors such as M. Scott Peck, Rollo May, Leo Buscgalia, Richard Carlson, and a host of others. I ended up specializing in education but my personal reading interests have always lied in psych. I’m not ashamed to say as well that I have paid for counseling on more than one occasion. It has benefited me greatly and I truly admire all walks of mental health therapists. They have a tough job and if they do it right, they can transform a person’s life for the better. I think if we’re honest with ourselves, we are all a little kooky, hence the title of this blog.
Today I’m reminded of that song aforementioned. I don’t want to feel stressed about life … that just isn’t me. When I am stressed, I become something different … someone different. Maybe not altogether, but people approach me and say: “Are you okay? Are you sick?” I have one of those demeanors that is inescapably transparent and people around me, including my wife, tell me they can tell when I am stressed or not myself. For example, the other day my wife told me I looked younger because I had shaved very close but when she glanced down further at my neck, she noticed there was still some stubble there. eek. I hate it when I am in a rush and miss that. Ever happen to you? Anyway, she told me I look “older” when I miss that area. It’s like a 5 o’clock shadow at 8am. Well, as I have been saying, do you know why I missed that? Because I was stressed!
I need to feel groovy but how do I get there? Well … I can plan my day based on things I am passionate about. As a teacher I know how to do this. You tie in the lessons to examples that you are interested in and it makes for a much more effective lesson. Yes, it takes more creativity, wit, and candor than just following the rote textbook, but it pays off for your attitud3e and for their achievement results. In other lines of work, or for housewives, you’ll have to plug in your own connection here though I could think of some.
Kicking up the cobblestones of your life and feeling groovy is the way top a great day and that great day multiplies and translates into a great month and then a great year. Try and get a hold of that song if you can. Listen to it and make it your mantra today. Remember the psychology of looking at things from another angle. Don’t fixate on the angle that brings you down. There are always more than one way to perceive a situation.
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Tags: book, books, creativity, education, groovy, Health, leo buscgalia, lesson, life, m scott peck, mental health, Psychology, psychology topic, richard carlson, rollo may, simon and garfunkel, teacher, wife, wit, work
I'm Damien Riley, author and teacher. Here you'll find "think outside the box" posts on psychology and inspiration. 
Good song, and you are relaying a good outlook. I have recently started to wonder when I became such a bitter and angry person. For most of my life and have been happy and friendly even in the most stressful of times. I have come to realize that nothing changed except for me, and no one can correct the situation except for me. So here is to kicking up those cobblestones! We certainly need to do it more often.
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I had to laugh, I totally dislike that song, but I agree completely otherwise with your post. The last two sentences are right on.
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I am the same way when it comes to being stressed. I am an unrecognizable mess. I will cry over nothing and get upset very easily. Keeping my optimism level high and with friends and family around to rest my weary head on definitely helps make life "groovy" :)
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@Michael: Thanks man. It sounds like you have had some positive transformation lately, keep it going.
@Marcia: Hey, I like that song ;) You are good at seeing the spirit even despite the lame song.
@Ms. Caesi: Sometimes another person can put a situation into a new perspective for us. Of course, we still need to be open to hearing. Thanks for your comment.
It seems simplistic that you can change your stress level by changing your attitude, but it is so darn true! It’s that "fake it until you make it" attitude at work. I’ve found that on days I’m feeling stressed that music brings me out of it. Not "Feelin’ Groovy," though, Damien. I prefer "It’s A Beautiful Morning," by the Young Rascals (who grew up and changed their name to just The Rascals).
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