When my doctor checked my pulse and blood pressure at a recent physical exam, my pulse was only 47—well below the 60-80 norm—and my blood pressure was a healthy 98/68. Admittedly, I exercise regularly, but leaving the doctor’s office I wondered whether that alone would account for such good readings—especially for a 70 year old.
It then occurred to me that the readings might also be attributable to the fact that I am now much better at letting go of control in important areas of my life (work, children, loved ones, friends and the like).
In other words, could letting go of control be a valuable key to a healthier heart?
I believe it is. Medical research and studies confirm that our hearts are adversely impacted by excessive stress, worry, fear, and anger.
And, quite simply:
*When we control less, we stress less;
*When we control less, we worry less;
*When we control less, we fear less; and,
*When we control less, we resent less.
If this all seems too “non-scientific” to you, I encourage you to try the following:
Let Go of Control Heart Test
1. In the morning or evening of the first day, measure your blood pressure and pulse.
2. For the next three days, endeavor to let go of control the best you can at work, with your children, close relationships, and troublesome concerns. Don’t pressure, force, resist—or persist. Just accept, allow, trust and let be. I understand that this may not be easy—especially if you have the propensity to be a controller. The key is to simply try your best. It’s a matter of progress, not perfection. Striving for perfection induces control-based actions. *To assist yourself, try some of the Decontrol Tips and Tools described in my posts in that category at the right column of this page.
3. After three days, again measure your blood pressure and pulse at about the same time that you did on the first day.
4. Finally, do the simple math to determine if and/or how much your pulse and blood pressure have improved.
This Test is a No Lose Proposition
Admittedly, there can be many unaccounted for variables that impact your results.
However, you have nothing to lose by taking the test—and here’s why:
Even if the results are not conclusive, I am quite confident that you will have less stress, worry, fear, and anger—and more peace and serenity!
These and other benefits will increase further as you become better and better at letting go of control. It definitely takes commitment and practice—and at times courage—but it is well worth the effort. Eventually, letting go of control will become a more natural, intuitive way of living and engaging people and things.
I would love to hear how your heart test went. Were your pulse and blood pressure lower? Did you have less stress and anxiety? Were the decontrol days more enjoyable?
Here’s to your healthier heart!
In the meantime, remember to
Let It Go–And Accept “What Is!”
Danny
*If you enjoyed this post, please “like” it on your Facebook page and share it with your friends.
Anger usually breeds controlling actions that are harmful to others and us, whether it be harsh words, divisive actions, or retaliation. We all too often become obsessed, possessed—and even recessed! It is therefore important to find ways in which to defuse your anger and resentment quickly. In this blog and in 
I am very pleased that the central theme of my book (
“For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness”—Ralph Waldo Emerson
As I have begun sharing and