Not only is Glen Capelli one of the most outstanding speakers I’ve ever heard on learning organizations, but he is also a poet and songwriter. The first time I heard his song "Psychological Sunshine" it exploded in my mind! What a thought…especially at the beginning of Summer!!
As the song says:
"And I give myself some psychological sunshine,
Alpha waves rollin' right across my mind
I can go anytime to the place in my mind
For my psychological sunshine"
Normal sunshine is fundamental for human wellness. Without it, we are nutrient deficient, chemically affected, our attitudes change, jet lag is prolonged and we feel miserable. In fact, there's even a disease caused by lack of sunshine! So it's important that we all have a dose of it once in awhile (a sensible dose of course - too much of a good thing can be bad, especially when it's too much sunshine and no sunscreen!).
Why would psychological sunshine be any less important? In fact, you can't overdose on psychological sunshine! And you don't need sunscreen or sunglasses. Imagine if we consciously created our own psychological sunshine - light to penetrate through the dark clouds that sometimes cover our heart and mind, and obscure our happiness, clarity, purpose and vision.
Where can we find psychological sunshine? You'll find it in your mind and your heart. When you send love to someone or give it to yourself you not only send them sunshine, but you fill yourself with light and warmth. Or when you relive wonderful moments from your past; focus on the dreams of your future; when you help others; when you learn something new; when you smile; when you know you are on purpose in life; when you do something really well and celebrate; when you see and experience beauty; when you are one with nature (no, I'm not a cosmic flower child...I just know that being surrounded by the magnificence of nature can be extraordinarily powerful!); when you talk to yourself with compassion and kindness (as opposed to being your own most vicious critic!); when you make the choice to be happy; when you sing your lungs out, even if you can't sing; when you forgive others and yourself; when you are living in the present moment; when you see a sunrise; when you face a fear and it goes away; when you take care of your body. There are millions of ways to bask in psychological sunshine!
So folks, when the clouds are all around your heart, do yourself a favor and go for a walk; sing a happy song; be near trees or the water; be gentle and say self-esteem boosting comments to yourself; take time out to rest and relax; smile a lot; do something you absolutely love; really notice the world around you and be mindful of whatever you are doing at that moment; remember the good times in your life; send love to someone; do some exercise; give someone a hug (if they would like it, of course!). And that's just a list for starters!
Wouldn't it be smart if we taught this concept to managers and parents? And then workplaces and homes could be bright, light, happy places! Why not start with you and your home - by yourself or with everyone together. Make a list of anything you can think of that would bring psychological sunshine to your life, keep adding to it and refer to it daily.
Happy Summer everyone and wishing you all lots of psychological sunshine!!
