Green with envy and Green with Greed have proven to be losing strategies for individuals and our country alike.
Today, though, there is a new psychological green that brings with it optimism and productivity. Today, being psychologically green means tuning into your instincts, getting back to basics, and back to our human nature.
Whereas physical green is analogous to protecting our planet, psychological green is about protecting and honoring our human nature. We've have laws that force us to protect our planet, It's too bad we don't have laws to protect our human nature! The fact is, we have become disconnected from our instinctual tools that help us thrive, such as cooperation, curiosity, and care-giving to name just a few.
Take a look at the plights we have now and you will see for that they are a result of going against our human nature, from being "instinctually disconnected." No wonder we are often so unhappy and unfulfilled. No wonder we sometimes get into the wrong relationships, take the wrong jobs, and make the wrong choices.
At the same time, look at the individuals, families, organizations, and countries that are thriving, and you will conclude that they are doing nothing more than staying in synch with their human nature, that is why they are growing.
It is our instinctual tools that allow us to thrive and to solve the everyday problems that we encounter. Today psychological green is true to the color of nature-green for growth.
What can we do to become "psychologically green...How do we get back in touch with our human nature so that we may create a Culture of Psychological Green?
The answer lies in using the genius of your instincts. Here are six tips to get you started:
1.Listen to your emotions; they are the voice of your instincts.
Too often, we rely on the opinions and recommendations of others to make our choice. Friends tell you, "He is perfect for you." Parents and counselors tell the high school graduate, "This is the school for me." We follow the advice, despite the nagging feeling that tells us, something isn't right. Listening to your emotions and feelings is the beginning for getting connected to your instinctual tunes.
2. Allow yourself to feel vulnerable. You are hardwired to care-solicit-ask others for help. It is Mother Nature's instinctual tool that helps you protect your vulnerabilities.
Most people deny their vulnerabilities and as result, become disconnected from their care-soliciting instinct. Why does this happen?
One reason is that feeling vulnerable is uncomfortable (as it should be since it communicates we are at risk.) Another reason is the conventional pop psychology message that successful individuals solve their own problems, the emotionally healthy too.
Thus, we seldom ask for help when we really need it. Being comfortable with feeling vulnerable will allow you to take advantage of your care-soliciting instincts.
3. Develop others: Can anyone deny the world would be better place if we all became more touched by our care-giving instincts, the evolutionary function being to develop the future.
Fact is, Presidents have written books on the importance of care-giving, but Mother Nature said it first. Both males and females are hardwired to be maternal and paternal-it is in your genes.
Early parents who were good care-givers increased the survival chances of their off spring, and just as the Roman Empire had to develop young warriors, so do have to develop young warriors.
There are all sorts of reasons that inhibit our care-giving instincts, such as withholding love because of anger-animals never do this.
Some catalysts to get to your care-giving nature: at work, focus on developing others; at home, prioritize your children; with your partner, tune in to their physical and mental health. Also, do things for your community.
4. Look Your Personal Best: Silverback gorillas spend hours polishing their coats and picking fleas off themselves and each other.
The more attractive they are to each other, the greater the chance of mating and perpetuation of their species. You are hardwired to beautify-to make yourself attractive for the purpose of making yourself desirable to others. If you are not, say goodbye to your line of genes.
You'd be amazed how many people are surprised they didn't get the job, even though they look like slobs, and how many executives are clueless to their abrasive demeanor that makes them unattractive to those above them and those under them.
To begin to reconnect with your attractive instincts, take a lesson from the silverbacks-look your personal best.
Then, so that you can become a more desirable mate, a parent your children come to in times of need, and a more successful employee, develop your sense of humor, become a better listener, and be supportive to others, all actions of attractive instincts that will make you more desirable to others.
5. Commit to cooperate. The recent Summit, according to the President, is the beginning of a more "cooperative world."
The fact is we are all hard wired to cooperate-not compete. Remember, the first atom could not make it by itself so it coagulated with others and ever since, it has been a team game. Get in touch with your cooperative nature-it brings out the best in you and others.
Start by making the commitment to cooperate, especially when others aren't. Be like lions, who don't punish or exclude the "laggards" who don't do their share, but rather continue their own efforts to make the pride stronger. Tit for Tat is a losing strategy, and one that is hard to break-it ruins relationships.
Teach your kids that they can't be lucky every day but they can be nice every day---nice guys do finish first.
Project managers-create a team identity, you will see cooperation increase, and make sure fairness is in play, as few people quit when the rules are fair.
Parents-create a sibling identity for your child's and you will rid your household from sibling rivalry and create sibling support.
Partners-honor your couple identity-it will reinforce each of your desire to nourish the relationship.
6. Become a Curious George/Georgette. You are hardwired to investigate and explore your environment-it increases the likelihood of encountering objects-be it a person, a book, or food-that can enhance your existence.
Your curiosity instinct accelerates your learning so it is good that we have a Green President who has made curiosity one of his Administration's core values.
Parents stifle the curiosity of their children every day by ignoring or failing to encourage their interests, usually because it does not concur with the parents' interest.
Couples stay stuck in their comfort zone by choosing their favorite restaurant every time out, rather than taking a chance on a new spot, and our schools have lost their edge by failing to ignite the curiosity of students, especially in science and math.
Ask yourself-when was the last time you developed a new interest-if not, you're probably a bore. Get back to your curious nature if you want to stay ahead of the pack.
Begin to Alpha up-increase your energy level, a prerequisite for curios actions like going for a walk in new area of town. Mentally stimulate your curiosity by asking yourself questions you don't know until you are motivated to find out.
Go to a new restaurant and order a novel dish, all for the sake of jump starting your dormant curiosity instinct.
Follow these tips and the next times you are turning green, you won't be envious or greedy. You will be growing, like the color of green's nature.
