How to Benefit From ‘Moments of Madness’
In just a few days time there will be a full moon over the UK, an event that happens around once a month.
Traditionally a full moon is associated with madness — because apparently there’s something about that particular alignment of the planets which inculcates insanity.
That may sound like superstitious nonsense, but consider this — back when I was a student working in bars in Manchester in order to earn a living, I remember a bouncer (club security guy) I was friendly with telling me that he and his colleagues were always on their guard when it was a full moon because they knew from long experience that it was on such nights that ‘high spirits’ would erupt, often leading to arguments, confrontations and fights.
In others words, it would seem to be the case that there are circumstances beyond our control that can lead us toward temporary insanity.
Or at the very least. to moments where we act in ways that are out of character.
It can be difficult, in a world where we are encouraged by big pharma, media and the advertising and food & drink industries to medicate ourselves at every turn, to pinpoint precisely why we are feeling a certain way.
But one thing remains clear: there are days and moments when we feel more crazy than usual.
And that being the case, my message is very simple: rather than seeking to ameliorate the effects of such momentary madness, we should instead seize it, celebrate it, and use it for good.
Go on — go mad!
What do I mean by this? Simply, if you feel an impulse that is likely to add a much-needed dose of positivity to the world, then act on it, even if it seems unconventional.
For example, say you are walking through a shopping mall and you see someone you find attractive. Why not, in this moment of madness, walk up to them, say hi, and tell them that you like the way they are dressed today (or whatever it is about them you approve of).
Of if you suddenly feel like pulling out some brushes and oil paint and starting to paint then why not do it — even if you’re not an artist and you haven’t done anything like this since school.
And say you have an idea that you think might help someone — a suggestion or thought. Why not jot it down on a postcard and send it to them (or on a Tweet, in an email, on Facebook, or whatever).
As long as the impulses are positive, there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t act on these moments of madness that we all experience.
In fact, you absolutely should act on them — if we can each make the world a slightly better place each day, then that’s a win for everyone after all.
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