John Inzerillo, MD: Starting Fresh | Eastern North Carolina Now

   Publisher's note: We are most pleased, and quite humbled, to have the opportunity to bring to our readership the often reflective, and always knowledgeable words of Oncologist John Inzerillo, MD.

Rest in the Moment

    When we are present it is easy to slow down and proceed at our leisure. Under pressure, stress can lead us to rush and move away from the now. The ability to recognize our actions stemming from past memories or those reacting to future worries can be learned. Begin to ponder your first reaction to a stressful situation. What does the current situation remind you of? Whose voice are you hearing? Could be the voice of a parent pushing you to move along more quickly when you took your time enjoying life as a child. With the parental need to get to where they were going in a hurry,a harsh word may have been spoken to light a fire under you. The tone of voice and urgency may have snapped you out of your joyful moment. Your pleasure was cut short by an unkind word and a neural connection was established that now associates joy with rushing.

    To break the connection one needs to mindfully recreate the situation and tell themselves that it is ok to take your time and enjoy the activity. By following your intuition you may create a state of flow and such a state can actually make your actions more efficient. You gain joy in connection with efficiency without the need to rush by simply rewriting the situation in your minds eye. It doesn't get much simpler than this.

    Next time you feel the urge to rush close your eyes for five seconds and recreate your response to the stress, but remember to do so in a way that pleases you without doing any harm to others involved in that situation.
A reflective moment for Dr. John Inzerillo: Above.     photo by Stan Deatherage

Starting Fresh

    With time every thing gets stale, too common, weary, and worn out. Leave fruit sitting and it will decay, usually accompanied by a foul smell. With the New Year here each one of us ponders what we would like to see in our futures. But why reserve this contemplation for just one time a year?

    If you think about it each moment has the potential for change. As long as we do not keep our thoughts on past mistakes we can use the next moment to redirect our lives. As each new moment arrives we can stay awake and alert to the best within each of us and thus allow life to unfold with it's natural abundance. It is when we inject our doubts and limitations into the present moment that we restrict the life force for good.

    We have to remember that we are the architects of our futures and the best time to start etching our futures is now. In the next moment decide that you will remain present and make your choices based on what you would like to see in your future, not based on mistakes made in the past.

    We can create space in our minds to contemplate each moment for what it is, a potential for positive change. Relax and soften so that doubt and fear can no longer grip you. Be present and know that you are more than your thoughts.

    May peace and joy be yours today and everyday.