While at the gym today, a stranger tapped me to say, “mind over matter!” At first, I was confused, as I was deep into my exercise at the moment. She saw the puzzled look on my face and repeated, “Mind over matter, your shirt says mind over matter.” I replied back to her, “ohhhh yes, for sure! Mind over matter.” A little gym camaraderie and encouragement. I thought how nice of her to point it out and make that connection with me. I had no idea what was printed on my shirt must less that I even had one on. I was so concentrated on getting through my set that I was oblivious to everything else around me. The momentary distraction made me realize that I was presently in my “mind over matter” moment. So where did this idiom, “mind over matter,” originate from, and what does it mean? Let’s talk about it!
DEFINITIONS
Merriam-Webster defines mind over matter as “used to describe a situation in which someone is able to control a physical condition, problem, etc., by using the mind.”
Cambridge Dictionary defines mind over matter as, “the power of the mind to control and influence the body and the physical world generally.
Macmillan Dictionary defines mind over matter as, “the ability to control pain or an unpleasant situation by using your mind.”
If “Mind over Matter” had a voice, I’d presume it to sound similar to the voice of the narrator in this video. Check it out below:
The fact of the matter is that, that day at the gym was a horrible day. My stomach had been aching all day, I was stressed out about work and life in general. I had absolutely no energy, desire, or motivation to be at the gym, and yet there I was. The commitment I had made to myself superseded my mood and circumstances. That kind lady pointing out the words on my t-shirt helped me to see myself; and that self-realization placed the biggest smile on my face. I was proud of myself. None of this is easy, nor is it promised to ever be. It just is. A little mind over matter will do us all some good in the long run.
Commit yourself daily to caring for and loving yourself, no matter what. We here at The Let’s Talk Tribe are rooting for your continued success.
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Always With Love,
The Let's Talk Tribe Team
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