Feeling pessimistic about the world in 2016? Worried about the spread of fundamentalism and mindless violence? Thursday's 'Thought for the Day' on BBC Radio 4 did indeed give me pause for thought. It was by Theos Director Elizabeth Oldfield and - with its emphasis on habits of mind, habits affecting outcomes, and consciously choosing not to react fearfully - resonates with the Alexander Technique as I understand it:
"...Christians believe a hopeful habit of mind is worth cultivating. Not because there is nothing to be afraid of, but because there is something to hope in. And because, as behavioural psychologists would agree, our habits of mind become habits in our lives, and habits affect outcomes. Choosing to hope draws us out beyond ourselves, while fear drives us inward. Hope gives us courage to face the very real pain and horror of the world, and not to cower in fear, but to set about doing what we can to make a dent in it."
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"...Christians believe a hopeful habit of mind is worth cultivating. Not because there is nothing to be afraid of, but because there is something to hope in. And because, as behavioural psychologists would agree, our habits of mind become habits in our lives, and habits affect outcomes. Choosing to hope draws us out beyond ourselves, while fear drives us inward. Hope gives us courage to face the very real pain and horror of the world, and not to cower in fear, but to set about doing what we can to make a dent in it."
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