One attitude to help reduce stress is to be neutral about life. The benefit of neutrality is that you don’t get worked up about things. Have you ever heard the saying, “Ninety percent of your worries never happen.” Embracing an attitude of neutrality reduces your stress by keeping you balanced.
A great book that is based on the virtue of neutrality is, “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff.” The title says it all. We tend to get overly worked up about little things. It is wise to take some time to examine this tendency so you are better prepared at coping with life.
Being neutral improves your health because it reduces stress. It promotes a flexible disposition. In contrast, people who are rigid and not flexible are easily angered and argumentative. A rigid person polarizes life into opposites. Rigid people see life only one way. To be humorous, a rigid person may like vanilla, but they dislike chocolate. A neutral person, on the other hand has no preference, they will enjoy vanilla or chocolate.
In dealing with problems, neutral people tend to have a realistic appraisal of situations. They are less attached to outcomes. Essentially, a neutral attitude does not take life personally. As they say, “Stuff happens.” Neutral people understand this. If there is an upset or challenge in life a neutral person would say, “It is what it is. “ Life for them requires no comment or opinion.
In my own experience, I have discovered that being neutral is an attitude I would like to improve. It is not an easy process for me. I can say though, with practice, it is possible to bring about a greater awareness and I have been successful in being more neutral overall. It is worth the effort because I notice I am less anxious the more neutral I try to be.
What I have discovered that has helped me is the understanding that I don’t need to comment or have an opinion about everything. Prior to being neutral, I would engage in endless babble about the world’s problems. What I have realized is that the universe does not need my help.
Humans mistakenly think we are supposed to fix everything. Upon reflection, you can become aware that the universe has done just fine up to this point in human history without your comments. Roses bloom, the tide rises and falls, and Jupiter obits the sun all without your doing anything. This is a relaxing way to view your life. With practice you can view your problems the same way. You can say to yourself, “Hey, maybe it will all just work out on its own.” What a relief.
Becoming neutral is a more mature way of living. You are growing up and being less of a spoiled child. If you are neutral, and you don’t get your way, it is no big deal. You don’t have to win every game. Playing the game and having fun becomes the primary intention.
Another benefit of neutrality is people tend to find you pleasant and are happy when you are around. You are more benign in your relationships and people notice. You may not be the life of the party, but you are a welcomed addition.
Neutrality brings inner confidence. People who practice being neutral are not easily intimidated or need to prove anything. Life basically is going to be OK, despite its ups and downs. Neutral people roll with the punches with confidence and poise. Neutrality can be summed up with this Far East proverb, “If you’re facing in the right direction, all you need to do is keep on walking.”
Matthew McQuaid, DPM is a board certified foot surgeon practicing in Lakeport. He has a particular interest in Mind/Body medicine and its impact on healing. He is an award winning author and teacher. For more information call (707) 263-3727 and visit www.drmcquaid.com.
