An 8 year old martial arts student of mine was having a breakdown in the lobby today.
When he finally opened up to me, he said he was having a “really bad day” and his mom was forcing him to take the class in spite of it.
After thinking about it for a minute I asked him, “Do you know why mom is trying to force you to take class today?”
And after a few moments of contemplative silence I told him, “It’s because of green monkey.”
You can imagine the facial expressions that followed—which was partially my goal.
But, it lead to a very important point.
I told him that our minds are awful at negating thoughts. Meaning, if we tell ourselves not to think about our “really bad day”—all we’re going to think about is our really bad day. Just like if I told you not to think about a pink elephant—you can’t help but think of one.
What I suggested was mom wasn’t trying to make him miserable… mom was simply trying to give him a “green monkey” for his mind to focus on for a while—so that he didn’t have to dwell on his really bad day any longer.
By attending martial arts class and moving his body, pointing his mind at specific techniques, and connecting with other students and instructors—he would undoubtedly feel better. Certainly more so than continued dwelling would make him feel.
And guess what…?
He said it made sense… went to class… and left class jump kicking with a smile on his face.
Never underestimate the power of the “green monkey” strategy in your life.