Sometimes, though, I miss the simplicity of a hardier existence. Life in the mainstream gives me more to fret about. When I notice myself dropping into negativity I try to redirect my mind. Sing all the songs I can remember. Take a break to listen to the wind rustling the leaves, to watch the slow wheeling of a hawk.
Some people call it uptime - turning awareness outward to the natural world.
I work at maintaining uptime for the first hour or two in the morning. This meditation, the fifth operative principle of productive work, clears my mind and helps me to avoid fretting. Even with this effort and discipline, though, there are times distracting thoughts rise up like swarms of ants. When this happens I take up breathing practice, maintaining an even rhythm of deep inhalation, retention of air, and complete exhalation. The concentration calms my mind and restores balance to my body.