Elevated

"What would life be like if I could accept life ~

this moment ~ exactly as it is?

Tara Brach 

The reactions we choose in each moment can dictate our emotional level of simply being.  If we could eliminate judgment and criticism of our lovely selves, we would increase our ability to take in the beauty of life personally, collectively and globally. 

Imagine the energy we would gain if we stepped out of fear, replacing it with curiosity.  We would be able to recognize healthy opportunities, step into healing light, and create a sense of oneness.  We would discover new resolutions, alter behaviors, and uplift our spirits.

When we cleanse our lenses of thought, expectation and evaluation, we begin to embrace the natural attributes of being human.  Our awareness of earth itself glistens and we become elevated in all aspects of the life we now choose to live.

 

Unbalance Needing Correction

"While fear of pain is a natural human reaction,

it is particularly dominant in our culture, where

we consider pain as bad or wrong."

Tara Brach

Rather than trying to control our bodies, we can take pause and listen to them.  Our bodies speak to us, alerting us of an unbalance needing correction.  As we reach for the pain killer, question what is prompting the symptom we are experiencing.

If we take to our bed with a pounding migraine, what does this allow us to do?  Does it provide a valid excuse to skip and avoid an event?  Our stomach revolts with flu like symptoms prior to facing a life change.  Can this heighten our awareness of just how deeply our fear resides?

Our body is an instrument that can lead us to discovery of peace and calm.  If we follow the pain, uncover the origin and connection with emotions, we can restore balance and accurate choices to enhance living.

 

Perception Altered

"Perhaps the biggest tragedy of our lives is that freedom is possible, 

yet, we can pass our years trapped in the same patterns."

Tara Brach

The childhood fairy tale of Little Red Riding Hood was deeply implanted in my subconscious perceptions.  At a young age, I would cling to the impression that a man would come and rescue me.  I longed to feel wanted and protected.  

It wasn't until years later that I became aware of how this story turned into a pattern, repeating itself continuously.  When life reflected back to me that I had worth and value, I began to ponder the credibility of my belief.

My perception was altered, but only partially.  I believed that I did better when I had a mate, that I could soar once I had a male support.  Laughable, I know.  In time, I understood that the love I longed for could be supplied by myself. It is important to gather tools of incentive, creativity and determination which propel us forward into all that we need.

 

Action Determines The Outcome

Ask yourself: "What positive changes have you made

or do you want to make in your life?  

What is it and how did or will you do it?''

Tara Brach

There are intentions made this time of year for change, but far too many neglect a structure for action.  The emphasis on the selection and end result, avoiding the important in between step of follow through.  Whether we are considering life styles, emotional health, or living a more fulfilling life, there is no problem in creating a list, but statistics reflect incredibly low results.  

A skilled architect perceives a dream, makes sketches or drawings, and gathers supplies.  Any chef imagines a perfect food presentation, makes notations and collects ingredients.  Even an artist takes precautions before he begins his masterpiece. So why do we think we can form a list of resolutions without any follow through, and yet be shocked at our lack of progress!

Perhaps it is best to choose just one resolution and create guidelines or time lines to gauge our progression.  A structure will keep us more mindful of our daily action towards the goal.  Think the entire process through, and make note of when additional support may be needed.  Project these estimates into the outline or date book as reminders.  

Any change requires assertion, movement, or action.  Nothing happens all by itself.  We cannot sit home waiting for the doorbell to ring delivering our completed goal.  Clutter does not just evaporate, weight doesn't just fall off, and mending fences requires tools and diligence.  The more mindful we are of our goal on a daily basis, the more likely we will create a satisfying end result.  The more creative our plan, the longer it will hold our attention.  When we build in incentives throughout the plan, we will be less likely to give up.  

If we find ourselves struggling or falling behind, don't give up entirely.  Adjust the plan to be more user friendly, more realistic.  Action will trigger a result whether it is grand or small.  Celebrate change, as it will encourage the likelihood of engaging in another project.  Just remember, action determines the outcome.