Part 1 of 2
The simplest and
most effective way to lift someone’s spirits is by giving one or more of the
four A’s: attention, appreciation, admiration and affection. These gifts shift others attention to what is
right in their lives.
Being
still goes against the mind’s nature.
The human mind has been fidgety for many generations.
Flow with
the mind’s movement rather than opposing it.
Ask yourself if you
are choosing thoughts or is thinking just happening.
Notice nature once a
day and as needed.
Prejudices
are judgments, or beliefs, that disregard the truth and are based on a rigid
worldview. The mind’s desire to protect
itself from future harm sows prejudices.
They form rapidly, before we have fully processed the facts. We don’t
recognize our prejudices, because ignorance confuses prejudices for intuition.
The prejudiced mind selectively collects information that agrees
with its preconceived conclusions. It
globalizes the negative.
When
things go wrong, as they invariably will, focus on what went right within what
went wrong.
Annoyance
is a symptom of unhappiness; unhappiness originates in hurt; hurt sprouts from
unmet expectations.
Compassion
reminds you that an expression of frustration is a call for help.
You don’t
carry a foolproof instruction manual for living. You learn from what life
teaches through your mistakes.
Your
thoughts and actions, although well meaning, may still represent fear, desire
and ego.
Acceptance
of situations springs from the realization that the universe has many mouths to
feed. Half of Earth has to face away from the sun for the other half to be
bathed in sunlight.
Acceptance isn’t apathy, but an empowered surrender – a state that
balances passion and impulse with transience and justice.
Intentional,
mature forgiveness is empowering and doesn’t usurp your strength or
self-respect.
Forgiveness
represents the culmination of a sincere practice of gratitude, compassion,
acceptance and higher meaning.
You
forgive because you wish life’s higher meaning, not your hurts, to guide your
journey.
Ignorance
is effortless; wisdom, intentional.
Humans
are programmed to be dissatisfied.
Today’s luxuries become tomorrow’s norm and necessities the day
after. Expectations and desires stand a
step ahead of achievements.
Life
offers choices, opportunities and disruptions.
