Tags
brain fog, burning our tailfeathers, information overload, outside forces affecting us, running around like crazy, sensory overload, shenandoah fog, shenandoah mountains, shenandoah valley
Sensory overload….cell phones, television commercials, the internet, Dow Jones, the economy, bills, finances, children, family members, friends, commitments, the price of gas, Facebook, Myspace, my butt, twitter, tweeter, radio, I-PODs, I-PADS…HELP!!!!!
Do you ever find yourself using your cell phone to change TV channels? Or pick up the remote and say “hello” when your phone is ringing? Then you probably do have sensory overload. Just know…you’re not alone! A weekend trip to enjoy some beautiful scenery, as well as some R & R, would probably do us all some good! Getting away from it all, for a short while, can do miracles.
Loneliness is an awful thing and I certainly don’t want to be lonely nor do I wish it upon anyone, but I must say I can’t even remember what silence is like or being alone. Sometimes I just want to go for a walk by myself and not have to talk or listen to anyone. I can just be silent, allowing God’s words to come through loud and clear.
Too much information, too fast and constantly, can fry your brain, resulting in a brain fog. How many people do you know that have brain fog? More and more I’m hearing people use this term, and at first I thought it was just me. Brain fog, to me, sounds like a made up name. Just say it out loud…brain fog, it sounds so weird. When I think of ‘fog,’ I think back to early mornings in the Shenandoah Valley, where the fog would be hovering over the Shenandoah Mountains. What a breathtaking sight that was. Is that same thick fog in my brain now, making it hard to think, learn, concentrate, listen, and remember? And just as it sounds odd, it makes us feel odd. It’s like walking around in a surreal world all the time. Sure, medical issues can cause brain fog too (eating habits, medications, dehydration, etc.), but c’mon…in today’s world, I clearly attribute it to information overload. This is serious stuff too because it affects the young and the old. No one is exempt. It affects our school studies, work, relationships, and much more. It causes us to have low self-esteem (because we think something is wrong with us or that we’re just dumb), discouraged, depressed, detached and forgetful. Does this sound familiar to you? Do you find yourself asking these questions:
- Where are my keys?
- I just had my wallet, where’d it go?
- Did I take my pills already?
- Did I turn off the stove?
- Did I lock the door?
- Have you seen my eye glasses, I just laid them down here?
- What did you say?
- When did you tell me that? I don’t remember.
On and on and on…it doesn’t end; if anything, it gets worse!
Sensory overload and stress (two villains) will manifest into symptoms in your body and brain. Are you rushing around like your tail feathers are on fire for no reason? Why is this happening to us? The answer is simple…outside (external) forces of stimulation are taking control or dominating our natural state of mind of happiness and contentment…the magical word here is NATURAL. Do you think (believe) family members, friends and co-workers are getting a little weird? Well do I have a news flash for you! They think that YOU are the one who is getting weird! Ah ha, we are all in this together!
I suggest some alone time, with your thoughts and with God. Be still and listen. When circumstances seem out of control, and brain fog sets in, what we need most are words to comfort and calm us.
“Bow humbly under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time he may lift you high. Cast all your cares on him because he cares for you”
I Peter 5:6-7
Stop, breathe, and take control of yourself. Learn to manage your stress and outside factors. Have faith and perseverance. Put up that wall which blocks negative forces. Go at your pace, and no one elses. Watch that brain fog move out, and clarity move in.
Shenandoah peace, beauty and love to you all!
Mary