Avoiding Psychological Pollution

Today I am grateful for the wisdom so graciously shared by others in recovery. I am also grateful for air conditioning. It may not be central air, but it's better than nothing.

Yesterday I was writing about exercising demons. Today I am writing about avoiding psychological pollution. One of the facilitators at the breast cancer support meeting I attended last week read from a reading to open the meeting. That reading contained the reference to avoiding psychological pollution. Thanks for the blog inspiration Claire and for being a faithful reader of this blog. I appreciate the support. (And an early "Happy Birthday" youngster!)

Real pollution. Psychological pollution. They have similarities. One smells, the other stinks up our psyche. One can slow us down, the other can slow down our progress. One kills living things, the other kills our inspiration and motivation.

Some pollution is done to us, though our own actions may contribute. Living in the wrong area or type of climate may put a person at risk. Psychological pollution is something we do to ourselves, or allow others to do to us by giving them rent-free space in our heads. Conditions have to be right for psychological pollution. Stagnation. Self-pity. Fear. Resentment. Those head the train of thought into the muck.

Avoiding psychological pollution requires simple actions to keep the train of thought in the clear, breathable air. Gratitude. Mindfulness. Service to others. Humility. Grace.

Comments