The mind of a person in the midst of harsh circumstances can be distracted very easily. Negative circumstances demand attention, time, and can also cause doubt and self-esteem issues. We often internalize our circumstances and take on attributes that do not belong to us, sometimes to the point that physical signs of how we feel about our situation start to appear. The ways in which we speak, dress and interact with others tend to match our present circumstances. I personally have been there. When things weren't going right-whether a financial situation or the loss of a friend/family member-my whole demeanor would change. I would walk around with a scowl on my face unintentionally. I would care less about my appearance for days, months or even years depending upon the length of my situation.

People who knew me well could tell something was wrong while those who barely knew me would think that I was just a mean person, when that was far from the truth. The way I spoke to others would also change. I found myself being very direct and to the point, which can be an issue when dealing in a line of work where you have to be understanding and tolerant. My whole attitude would change all the way down to my posts on social networks, all due to temporary circumstances that I found myself in the midst of at any given point and time. The truth of the matter is those circumstances and my emotions and demeanor should not be attached. In life we experience nothing outside of our physical being. Our sight, emotions, touch, our own breath are all inner experiences. We cannot see, touch, taste or experience anything outside of the human body while we are living the human experience. There are people who use yoga and other forms of mediation in an attempt to separate the human experience from the spiritual one allowing for a better balance in their life, however that is a different book for a different day.