When Life Gives You Lemons, What Will You Choose To Make?

WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS, WHAT WILL YOU CHOOSE TO MAKE?

I talk a lot with my patients during their shiatsu treatment sessions.  This is contrary to typical expectations of quiet and relaxation during a treatment; however, there is method to my madness.  All this chit-chat allows me to:

• better understand the nature of their injury/illness;
• get to know them better as a whole person and narrow down what might be the root cause of their issue; and
• distract them from the pain I’m inflicting (note to future patients: it’s truly not that bad—well, after 4-5 seconds have passed).

During our treatments, we typically chat about everything under the sun (yes—the sun does exist in Seattle).  Oftentimes, we hit on a topic that strikes a universal and mutually agreed upon irritating chord:  Seattle traffic, teenagers, politics, the Mariners, global climate change, when the toilet paper roll is replaced under instead of over, etc.,).

It’s at this exact point that I switch gears and ask them if they have a lemon.  Perplexed by my out of left field question, I clarify that I don’t literally mean if they have a lemon in their possession, but if they have one at home.  Most do and then I ask them if I can guide them on a short mental journey as follows:

1. Close your eyes.
2. In your mind, go to where you keep your lemons and see yourself picking out a lemon.
3. Now, imagine holding that lemon under your nose. Squeeze your lemon and imagine the lemony fragrance invading your senses:  crisp, citrusy, teeter-tottering somewhere between sweet and sour.
4. Next, envision yourself getting a knife. Slowly, slice that lemon in half; watching as the lemon juice glistens on the blade and slowly dribbles out from each cut half.
5. Now, pick up one of the halves and hold it up to your nose. Notice how the aroma is even more intense, more citrusy, and is overwhelming your sense of smell.  It smells clean, bright, and refreshing.
6. Now, imagine opening your mouth, sticking out your tongue, and licking that lemon. Your mind anticipates the sensations about to hit your tongue.  Mouth puckers, eyes squint, ears perk up, and jaw tightens as if you can somehow manage to avoid the sour that is about to overtake your taste buds.
7. Now, open your eyes.
8. Tell me. What is happening inside your mouth?

For most patients, their mouths have already started to salivate—all from this phantom lemon that is, of course, not to be found anywhere except in the confines of their mind.  Isn't it interesting that I was able to trigger a physiological response in their body just by getting them to focus their thoughts on an imaginary lemon.  My next question is often a bit more jarring: “So what do you think happens inside your body when your focus your thoughts on worry, anger, hatred, fear, or sadness?”

That’s when the chatter stops and the room is quiet.

Mind Your Mind

The purpose of this exercise is to allow my patients to experience the connection between their mind and their body.  They can then understand why we should be more careful with the thoughts we choose to hold onto.  This is not to say that one shouldn’t get angry or sad as these are very natural human emotions.  What I am saying is that one always has a choice in these matters.  Therefore, if you know better, then wouldn’t you want to do better?

So, the question you might be thinking about now is, “What kinds of negative thoughts are taking up residence in my mind?”  However, the more important question I’m asking you to ponder is, “What am I creating in my body because of what I’m choosing to think?”

I hope the next time you have less than happy emotions—you’ll remember that lemon.