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Red, White And 'Blue:' Wilton Author Takes On 'Election Depression'

WILTON, Conn. --- How are you feeling post-election, Fairfield County?

Author James Mapes lives in Wilton.

Author James Mapes lives in Wilton.

 Photo Credit: Submitted
Wilton resident James Mapes has a new book, "Imagine That"

Wilton resident James Mapes has a new book, "Imagine That"

 Photo Credit: Submitted
Jeanne Muchnick
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AuthorJames Mapes, an expert in the psychology of applied imagination, addressed the issue at a talk at Stamford's Ferguson Library late last week.

The Wilton resident also read from his new book, "Imagine That: Igniting Your Brain for Creativity and Peak Performance," which focuses on reframing our thinking patterns and transforming fear into love and forgiveness.

Daily Voice sat down with him to gain healing insights for those feeling red, white and "blue."

Daily Voice: We have a new president that half the country is not happy about. It has been a contentious campaign … now what?

James Mapes: During the campaign it seemed like there could be no positive outcome; we would end up in the muck no matter what. But look, we’re still here, the world still spins. Today, the lightbulb of awareness exploded, and we can begin to heal.

DV: So how do we come together, let go and move forward?

JM: The key is to really move forward. The draining and destructive struggle became so familiar after more than a year of repetition that it became normal. We need to change the narrative and create a new normal.

DV: Both sides need to heal; from your perspective how does that happen?

JM: There are five steps and if we heal as individuals, we can heal as a nation.

  • Acknowledge the negative emotions that tell you what you need to let go of. Acknowledging our negative feelings fully is a powerful way to supercharge the process of letting go.
  • Recognize that you have complete control of letting go. Asking the right questions can help you do this, such as “Does holding on to negative thoughts serve a purpose?”
  • Accept and trust that it is time to let go.The more you accept what has happened and is happening in your life, the more peace of mind you will have.
  • Focus on what can be changed. As simple as this sounds, it takes honesty, patience, and courage to accomplish. We spend an enormous amount of energy trying to change what cannot be changed. It’s much more productive to focus on today.
  • Forgive those who need to be forgiven. Forgiveness is the most powerful and remarkable tool to let go of the past.

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