I Open My Eyes to the Possibilities

I embrace the energy of this new day, opening my eyes and being fully aware and fully present in this ever unfolding moment.  I take a deep breath of fresh cold winter air, knowing that I will long for this moment on the first 90 degree day of summer.  I notice the beauty of the gently drifting snowflakes and rather than curse them, give thanks for these crystalline wonders that blanket the earth.

There is so much I can miss if I am engrossed in the distractions that face me each morning: my phone, social media, the small tasks that put me on autopilot, the worries that occupy my mind. 

I think of the time recently when I noticed a couple in a restaurant, both completely engrossed with their phones, totally unaware of each other or the moment and how saddened I felt knowing that this is how many of us live our days.  I know I am sometimes guilty of tuning out those around me and allowing myself to be distracted by whatever the shiny thing in front of me is, or by the busyness of my thoughts.

There is a need for each one of us to be engaged and focused in our lives.  We are each unique individuals, with gifts to give that no one else can in quite the same way. 

Today, I commit myself to being fully present in my life, to immersing myself in the energy of this new day and to seeking my place in it, giving whatever I have to offer in the hopes of creating something good.

 I breathe deeply and slowly, releasing all that hinders or distracts and give my all to this moment...

Gratitude Opens Doors

Gratitude is an attitude of the heart that can open us up to new possibilities.  When we consciously choose to focus on what is right in our world instead of what is wrong, the energy around us shifts and we begin to bring about positive change.

This is of course, not a new concept.  The Apostle Paul wrote about it in the bible: "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things".
   In 1952, Norman Vincent Peale wrote "The Power of Positive Thinking", an international bestseller which focused on developing a habit of mind that embraced daily gratitude and encouraged visualization to bring about positive change in one's life:

"When you expect the best, you release a magnetic force in your mind which 

by a law of attraction tends to bring the best to you.”
― Norman Vincent Peale 

 Numerous books and articles have been written since then about the positive effects of "an attitude of gratitude" and  research shows that it can even improve your health.  Time magazine recently published an article entitled  "7 Surprising Health Benefits of Gratitude" that documented scientific research showing that developing a grateful habit of mind can:

• Make you more patient
• Improve your relationships 
• Improve self-care 
• Help you sleep 
• Prevent overeating
• Ease depression

 So start with today...change your mind and change your heart.  Be thankful for the things you usually take for granted:  every waking breath, a heart that beats reliably and nourishes your body, your home and family. Then begin to make it a habit to look around for things to be grateful for; keep a gratitude journal; focus on the positive rather than fear the worst.  Occupy your mind with good.  To quote Norman Vincent Peale: 
“When the old fears, hates, and worries that have haunted you for so long try to edge back in, they will in effect find a sign on the door of your mind reading 'occupied'  ".  

The Sun is Always Shining

This February morning dawns gray, and I see gently drifting snow outside my window. There is a moment's let down, as I contemplate another murky winter day, but in my mind's eye, a bright orb appears and I am reminded that the sun is shining brightly even though it is obscured from my view.  In fact, I realize that, at the end of this day, when the sun sets here, it is rising on a new morning somewhere else.  Somehow, this gives me hope, as I thank God that the gift of each new day begins with a sun that shines brightly and gives light and warmth to the world, whether we can see it or not.

 

I breathe deeply and affirm that this light of the sun and the Light of God's spirit renew my mind and heart and prepare me for another day of life on this beautiful, fragile planet.  I feel connected to all in this moment, sighing a prayer for those who are suffering or in need, for a planet that is crying out for us to stop, take notice and heal what we have broken.  I embrace all that is kind, loving and praiseworthy in the hearts of people and in nature, praying that evil would be overcome by good, darkness overcome by light and hatred overcome by love.

I do not lose hope, thinking that my small prayer is nothing, because I trust that at any given moment, across the world, there are others who are joining with me in finding the inner light and, just like the sun that I cannot see, sending rays of healing warmth and love that connect us all.

On this morning, I affirm that the sun is always shining and there is always hope.

Do Not Be Discouraged

Winter is long and hard and sometimes life's circumstances can be difficult; they may even seem overwhelming.  Some days, it's easy to feel discouraged and just want to crawl back in bed.  But on these days, I remind myself  that I am strong when I am weak.  When I allow myself to be weak and vulnerable, to let down my guard and trust fully in the Source of all Being, his/her strength flows through me, limited only by my own lack of emptiness.

To the degree that I am "full of myself" and consumed by my own problems, God's presence will not be fully known.  In Alcoholics Anonymous, people can only begin to recover when they admit their powerlessness over the addiction and are willing to trust in a Higher Power for strength to overcome what has control over their lives. 

The principles of AA can apply to most of life's most difficult and challenging circumstances.  When I am willing to surrender my fears, my doubts, my constant trying to be whatever other people expect of me, and just ask for help from a Strength that finds nothing impossible, I begin to see a light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak.

It is difficult, I admit, to empty me of me.  There is so much going on in my brain and body that keeps me constantly trying to do everything, solve every problem, be everything to everyone, that emptying of self is a real challenge. 

But I can start with today, this moment, breathing and releasing; trusting in my Source to provide all that I need to go forward courageously in spite of my fear.  There is an often repeated quote that has been attributed to many people; the first I believe was Mark Twain:  "Courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to go on in spite of it".

I ask for help, take a step forward and act courageously, because I know that God will strengthen me

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for your God will be with you wherever you go.”   Joshua 1:9

Integrate Body, Mind and Spirit

We tend to think of our bodies, minds and spirits as separate components of our "selves". The body seems to do its own thing: functioning, digesting, circulating blood, all with very little thought from us unless something goes wrong. Then we go to a doctor to diagnose and treat the problem, which almost always involves a prescription for one or more drugs.  The mind generates thoughts and directs our daily activities, while the spirit remains on hold, waiting for the few moments that we spend in prayer and meditation, or the day that we attend a religious service and try to connect with that part of our being.

But what if we were able to integrate these three into one authentic being who brings the pure awareness of spirituality into day-to-day living?

  It can be as simple as focusing on your breath.  Consider that the root word for respiration is the Latin spir, or "breath of life", ("spirit"), as you practice the following meditation:

•   Find a quiet place to sit, get comfortable and  follow the flow of your breath as it travels into your nostrils, fills your diaphragm and releases in the exhale. Don't try to direct its flow, simply observe, keeping your full attention on your breathing and allowing any thoughts that enter your mind to gently float away.  
• Practice this for at least ten minutes, then bring your awareness to your body, relaxing any areas of tension and breathing into any pain or discomfort you may be feeling.
•   Next, stand up and stretch, continuing to observe the breath as you focus on grounding to the earth and feeling every part of your body
• When thoughts arise, let them go and focus on the breath, connecting to the pure self awareness that is the essence of your spirituality

You can then bring that pure awareness into your daily life through active meditation, or mindfulness, which simply means to be fully aware in each moment.  Engage all your senses in whatever you are doing  throughout the day, continuing to focus on your breathing and releasing the constant chatter of thought patterns. This may be very challenging at first, but will become easier with practice. Each time you find your mind wandering, bring your focus back to the breath and connect to your surroundings.  Be aware of your body, how it feels at any given moment.  If you sense the need to stretch, take a short break, breathe deeply, stretch arms over head and go for a walk if possible.  Release tension, follow the flow of breath, give thanks and connect to Spirit throughout the day. Experience the integration of body, mind and spirit.

Practice Mindfulness and Find Peace