Endlessly Inside ....

"Look well into thyself; there is a source of strength

which will always spring up if thou wilt always look."

Marcus Aurelius 

It is easy to tap into our own resources, yet we simply forget.  We become distracted by viewing what is outside of our lovely selves and making application of what is not ours to keep.  

If we can hold still in a moment, breathing in appreciation for what is inside, we create a sense of peace.  As strength builds within, we attract peaceful situations, insights, and like minded individuals.  

The intention of strengthening our inner resources is not only healthy for our own spiritual growth, but it becomes an example we can extend to others. When we embrace our gifts and talents, the resonating light shines out into the world.

 

Etched In My Mind

"It is not events that disturb people,

it is their judgments concerning them."

Marcus Aurelius

The date of September 11 will be forever etched in my mind.  I remember so many details of the morning, the unfolding of the day, and the grueling overwhelm of the evening.  The following days became exceedingly depressing.

I was grateful for my Reiki friends who immediately orchestrated a time table so that our land would be covered with positive energy every hour of both day and night.  While on the other hand, I was truly appalled by the hate and violence coming out of the mouths of some I held dear.

I had really believed that as a society, we had moved towards positivity for peace.  My heart broke as friends who spouted spiritual truths, were now caught up in a negative wind.  Carefully, I did not judge them, but I was filled with a sadness as history continued to repeat it self.

Whispers of Comfort

"He who lives in harmony with himself

lives in harmony with the universe."

Marcus Aurelius

When we are present in the moment, mildly aware of what surrounds us, our ego may be leading us to a short cut that circumvents the beauty waiting on our path.  If we tone down our ego, and temper our hurt or ignored circumstance, we just might hear internal voices whispering the comfort we seek.

As we have no control over anything except ourselves, it is necessary to maintain self-confidence to avoid sabotaging our own delight.  If our goal appears to be fading, perhaps it is our approach that needs adjustment, not the dismissal of the dream.

If we become committed to faith and trust, while holding our expectation loosely in our hearts, there will be flexibility in the outcome.  If we are too specific in detail or projected out come, we may miss the miracle floating before our eyes.  When we can align our hearts, souls, and desires,  we are less likely to be distracted.

Unpleasantness Bubbles Up

"Dig within.  Within is the wellspring of Good;

and it is always ready to bubble up, 

if you just dig."

Marcus Aurelius

Winter has given me snow and ice, so I will snuggle in to explore things I normally ignore.  Instead of just accepting the surface understanding, I dig a little deeper to see what might be a trigger laying in wait for me to discover.

If we go beneath our emotional surface, we can take an adventure following our memories back to an original experience.  It is not easy nor pleasant to travel into old disappointments, but the exposure can become a healing result which enhances our health and disposition.

We are rarely upset by the reason we believe.  Trails of experiences are hinged together creating a crevice growing larger until we shine light upon it, excavate it, and happily move along.  The good thing is we do not necessarily have to itemize scenarios.  We can partition off periods of our lives and through meditation, prayer, journaling or therapy,  we can view episodes from a distance, gain insight,  and then let them go.  Otherwise, unpleasantness may bubble up at inopportune times and spaces.

Attitude Will Guide

"Our life is what our thoughts make it." Marcus Aurelius

When life becomes difficult, it is hard to imagine what I had been thinking to create such an unfortunate mess.  No longer do I immediately ask, "Why me?" I ask, "What is the lesson?"  It is helpful to acknowledge all of the negativity I had unknowingly unleashed in my head.  By not remaining awake, I sabotage my own desires. It is helpful for me to discern what good could come of my mess.  I look for the door that is now open as a corrective option.  It is difficult to believe goodness rises out of debris, but I know this to be true, even if just in hindsight. My worst enemy is the tape in my head criticizing, minimizing, and twisting perceptions.  Encouraging words of a mentor or supportive resources does not turn the tape off, but new phrases can be recorded over the old.  I remain determined to embrace whatever comes, knowing my attitude will be my guide.