Reactions To Life Events
Our experiences color everything. The events of the past can have a profound effect on how we see our lives now and what we choose to believe about our world. Our past experiences can also influence our emotional reactions and responses to present events. Each of us reacts to stimulus based on what we have learned in life. There is no right or wrong to it; it is simply the result of past experience. Later, when our strong feelings have passed, we may be surprised at our reactions. Yet when we face a similar situation, again our reactions may be the same. When we understand those experiences, we can come that much closer to understanding our reactions and consciously change them.
Between stimulus and reaction exists a fleeting moment of thought. Often, that thought is based on something that has happened to you in the past. When presented with a similar situation later on, your natural impulse is to unconsciously regard it in a similar light. For example, if you survived a traumatic automobile accident as a youngster, the first thing you might feel upon witnessing even a minor collision between vehicles may be intense panic. If you harbor unpleasant associations with death from a past experience, you may find yourself unable to think about death as a gentle release or the next step toward a new kind of existence. You can, however, minimize the intensity of your reactions by identifying the momentary thought that inspires your reaction. Then, next time, replace that thought with a more positive one.
Modifying your reaction by modifying your thoughts is difficult, but it can help you to see and experience formerly unpleasant situations in a whole new light. It allows you to stop reacting unconsciously. Learning the reason of your reactions may also help you put aside a negative reaction long enough to respond in more positive and empowered ways. Your reactions and responses then become about what’s happening in the present moment rather than about the past. As time passes, your negative thoughts may lose strength, leaving only your positive thoughts to inform your healthy reactions.
© 2004-08 DailyOM - All Rights Reserved
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Reflections of Self
We Are All Mirrors for Each Other
When we look at other people, we see many of their qualities in innumerable and seemingly random combinations. However, the qualities that we see in the people around us are directly related to the traits that exist in us. "Like attracts like" is one of the spiritual laws of the universe. We attract individuals into our lives that mirror who we are. Those you feel drawn to reflect your inner self back at you, and you act as a mirror for them. Simply put, when you look at others, you will likely see what exists in you. When you see beauty, divinity, sweetness, or light in the soul of another, you are seeing the goodness that resides in your soul. When you see traits in others that evoke feelings of anger, annoyance, or hatred, you may be seeing reflected back at you those parts of yourself that you have disowned or do not like.
Because we are all mirrors for each other, looking at the people in your life can tell you a lot about yourself. Who you are can be laid bare to you through what you see in others. It is easy to see the traits you do not like in others. It is much more difficult to realize that you possess those same traits. Often, the habits, attitudes, and behaviors of others are closely linked to our unconscious and unresolved issues.
When you come into contact with someone you admire, search your soul for similarly admirable traits. Likewise, when you meet someone exhibiting traits that you dislike, accept that you are looking at your reflection. Looking at yourself through your perception of others can be a humbling and eye-opening experience. You can also cultivate in you the traits and behaviors that you do like. Be loving and respectful to all people, and you will attract individuals that will love and respect you back. Nurture compassion and empathy and let the goodness you see in others be your mirror.
© 2004-08 DailyOM - All Rights Reserved
When we look at other people, we see many of their qualities in innumerable and seemingly random combinations. However, the qualities that we see in the people around us are directly related to the traits that exist in us. "Like attracts like" is one of the spiritual laws of the universe. We attract individuals into our lives that mirror who we are. Those you feel drawn to reflect your inner self back at you, and you act as a mirror for them. Simply put, when you look at others, you will likely see what exists in you. When you see beauty, divinity, sweetness, or light in the soul of another, you are seeing the goodness that resides in your soul. When you see traits in others that evoke feelings of anger, annoyance, or hatred, you may be seeing reflected back at you those parts of yourself that you have disowned or do not like.
Because we are all mirrors for each other, looking at the people in your life can tell you a lot about yourself. Who you are can be laid bare to you through what you see in others. It is easy to see the traits you do not like in others. It is much more difficult to realize that you possess those same traits. Often, the habits, attitudes, and behaviors of others are closely linked to our unconscious and unresolved issues.
When you come into contact with someone you admire, search your soul for similarly admirable traits. Likewise, when you meet someone exhibiting traits that you dislike, accept that you are looking at your reflection. Looking at yourself through your perception of others can be a humbling and eye-opening experience. You can also cultivate in you the traits and behaviors that you do like. Be loving and respectful to all people, and you will attract individuals that will love and respect you back. Nurture compassion and empathy and let the goodness you see in others be your mirror.
© 2004-08 DailyOM - All Rights Reserved
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Success is a decision
Note: This is a guest post by Michelle L. Casto of Bright Light Coach.
Success — on some level or another is a state of being that every human being strives for. A sense of Success follows us from when we are wee toddlers to cane-walking grandparents.
And yet most of us look for success in external forms and end up feeling like we are missing something until we can reach a certain level—of money, love or recognition.
The ironic thing is just as we reach that plateau, we feel compelled to go higher still.
This ever-reaching is part of the human experience.
The question is how to handle it with grace?
In my 10+ years as a professional life coach, I have found that the best way is through becoming more expanded, more conscious, & more committed; and of course to be perfectly at peace wherever you are on the mountain.
You must learn to expect success from Life because you have made the decision.
You simply decide it and then you do it.
Yes, just because you say so.
We are masters of our own universe and can have, be, or do anything our heart desires.
The key is to want to become something more from the reaching and the risking, not for the end result.
I think we all would agree that Success does not depend on material things, such as driving a certain car or holding a prestigious title. (although those things look like success).
Success does not come from having a million dollars in the bank (although that does give you more personal freedom).
Success does not come from doing important things in the world (although others may tell you so).
You cannot feel successful based on anything in the in the external world.
In fact, you cannot feel anything outside of yourself!
You can only feel successful in your internal world.
It is how you feel on a day-to-day basis that really matters.
Can you go to bed every night feeling successful?
Most cannot.
Why?
Because they are buying into other people’s definitions of success.
Try my definition on for size and see how it feels to you.
One of my definitions of success is doing what I say I am going to do when I say I am going to do it.
I decide and then I do.
Sounds easy enough, so why do so many people drop the ball when they commit to themselves?Often, they have not developed those expanded personal qualities that will help them.
For example:Successful people have the courage to grow beyond their comfort zones.
They are whole-hearted and focused, pursuing a grand purpose.
They are fascinated, not frustrated; curious, not complacent.
They ask for and receive coaching/mentoring.
They are committed to raising their self-awareness.
Successful people are willing to do the inner work necessary to achieve greatness and they are very, very, very persistent.
Your Success Depends on Your Decision to Feel Successful.
So, consider this, have you ever made a conscious decision to be successful?
My guess is No.
Here is your official invitation to Feel Successful!
Let’s join forces for success.
Repeat after me:I, your name, decide to be successful right now, despite what challenges and obstacles I see.
I am doing wonderful work and I am proud of myself for accomplishing this today_______________.
I absolutely know it is my God-given birthright to be successful.
And as the light of God that I am, I reclaim success and success reclaims me.
So be this.
Copyright Michelle L. Casto, September 2008
Michelle L. Casto is known as the Soul Diva Coach (Diva is sanskrit for shining light of the divine) Speaker, and Author of the Get Smart! LearningBook Series. Her coaching practice is Brightlight Coaching, she helps people come up with bright ideas for their life and empowers them to freely shine their bright light to the world. She loves working with transformational business owners to help them build and brand their business.
Visit virtually: brightlightcoach.com or getsmartseries.com or smartlifechanges.com.
Call for a Complimentary Coaching session (361) 232-3939.
If you enjoyed this article, please share it on Stumbleupon, vote for it on Digg or bookmark it on del.icio.us.
Thanks a lot! =)
Success — on some level or another is a state of being that every human being strives for. A sense of Success follows us from when we are wee toddlers to cane-walking grandparents.
And yet most of us look for success in external forms and end up feeling like we are missing something until we can reach a certain level—of money, love or recognition.
The ironic thing is just as we reach that plateau, we feel compelled to go higher still.
This ever-reaching is part of the human experience.
The question is how to handle it with grace?
In my 10+ years as a professional life coach, I have found that the best way is through becoming more expanded, more conscious, & more committed; and of course to be perfectly at peace wherever you are on the mountain.
You must learn to expect success from Life because you have made the decision.
You simply decide it and then you do it.
Yes, just because you say so.
We are masters of our own universe and can have, be, or do anything our heart desires.
The key is to want to become something more from the reaching and the risking, not for the end result.
I think we all would agree that Success does not depend on material things, such as driving a certain car or holding a prestigious title. (although those things look like success).
Success does not come from having a million dollars in the bank (although that does give you more personal freedom).
Success does not come from doing important things in the world (although others may tell you so).
You cannot feel successful based on anything in the in the external world.
In fact, you cannot feel anything outside of yourself!
You can only feel successful in your internal world.
It is how you feel on a day-to-day basis that really matters.
Can you go to bed every night feeling successful?
Most cannot.
Why?
Because they are buying into other people’s definitions of success.
Try my definition on for size and see how it feels to you.
One of my definitions of success is doing what I say I am going to do when I say I am going to do it.
I decide and then I do.
Sounds easy enough, so why do so many people drop the ball when they commit to themselves?Often, they have not developed those expanded personal qualities that will help them.
For example:Successful people have the courage to grow beyond their comfort zones.
They are whole-hearted and focused, pursuing a grand purpose.
They are fascinated, not frustrated; curious, not complacent.
They ask for and receive coaching/mentoring.
They are committed to raising their self-awareness.
Successful people are willing to do the inner work necessary to achieve greatness and they are very, very, very persistent.
Your Success Depends on Your Decision to Feel Successful.
So, consider this, have you ever made a conscious decision to be successful?
My guess is No.
Here is your official invitation to Feel Successful!
Let’s join forces for success.
Repeat after me:I, your name, decide to be successful right now, despite what challenges and obstacles I see.
I am doing wonderful work and I am proud of myself for accomplishing this today_______________.
I absolutely know it is my God-given birthright to be successful.
And as the light of God that I am, I reclaim success and success reclaims me.
So be this.
Copyright Michelle L. Casto, September 2008
Michelle L. Casto is known as the Soul Diva Coach (Diva is sanskrit for shining light of the divine) Speaker, and Author of the Get Smart! LearningBook Series. Her coaching practice is Brightlight Coaching, she helps people come up with bright ideas for their life and empowers them to freely shine their bright light to the world. She loves working with transformational business owners to help them build and brand their business.
Visit virtually: brightlightcoach.com or getsmartseries.com or smartlifechanges.com.
Call for a Complimentary Coaching session (361) 232-3939.
If you enjoyed this article, please share it on Stumbleupon, vote for it on Digg or bookmark it on del.icio.us.
Thanks a lot! =)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Unhindered Movement
Get Out of Your Own Way
When you find yourself facing obstacles that appear to be blocking you from your goals, it is important to try not to get discouraged. It can be easy to feel “stuck” or that “life” is creating circumstances preventing you from getting what you want. And while it is easy to look at everyone and everything outside of ourselves for the problem, perhaps even wanting to “get rid” of the person, object, or circumstance we may feel is blocking us, sometimes the best course of action to take may be to look inside ourselves first.
It is amazing how often we can get in our own way without even being aware that we are doing so. Even though we truly want to succeed, there are many reasons why we may sometimes block our own efforts. It may be that we are afraid to succeed, so we subconsciously create circumstances to keep ourselves stuck. Or it may even be that we are afraid that we will succeed, so we block ourselves by making the achievement of our goals more difficult than they really are. We may even approach our goals in a way that keeps creating the same unsuccessful results.
If you believe that you’ve been standing in your own way, you may want to take a piece of paper and record how you’ve done so. Write down the choices you’ve made that have hindered your efforts and the fears that may have prompted you to make these decisions. Take note of any thoughts and feelings that arise. It is important to be gentle and compassionate during this process. Try not to blame yourself for getting in your own way. Remember the choices we make always are there to serve us, until it is time to let them go. When you are finished, throw the paper away while setting an intention that you are getting rid of any obstacles you’ve created to block yourself. You can then let yourself start again with a clean slate. Doubts and fears are going to be natural, but with this new awareness, you should be able to prevent yourself from subconsciously thwarting yourself. Besides, now that you’ve decided to get out of your own way, the part of you that has always wanted to succeed can now do so.
© 2004-08 DailyOM - All Rights Reserved
When you find yourself facing obstacles that appear to be blocking you from your goals, it is important to try not to get discouraged. It can be easy to feel “stuck” or that “life” is creating circumstances preventing you from getting what you want. And while it is easy to look at everyone and everything outside of ourselves for the problem, perhaps even wanting to “get rid” of the person, object, or circumstance we may feel is blocking us, sometimes the best course of action to take may be to look inside ourselves first.
It is amazing how often we can get in our own way without even being aware that we are doing so. Even though we truly want to succeed, there are many reasons why we may sometimes block our own efforts. It may be that we are afraid to succeed, so we subconsciously create circumstances to keep ourselves stuck. Or it may even be that we are afraid that we will succeed, so we block ourselves by making the achievement of our goals more difficult than they really are. We may even approach our goals in a way that keeps creating the same unsuccessful results.
If you believe that you’ve been standing in your own way, you may want to take a piece of paper and record how you’ve done so. Write down the choices you’ve made that have hindered your efforts and the fears that may have prompted you to make these decisions. Take note of any thoughts and feelings that arise. It is important to be gentle and compassionate during this process. Try not to blame yourself for getting in your own way. Remember the choices we make always are there to serve us, until it is time to let them go. When you are finished, throw the paper away while setting an intention that you are getting rid of any obstacles you’ve created to block yourself. You can then let yourself start again with a clean slate. Doubts and fears are going to be natural, but with this new awareness, you should be able to prevent yourself from subconsciously thwarting yourself. Besides, now that you’ve decided to get out of your own way, the part of you that has always wanted to succeed can now do so.
© 2004-08 DailyOM - All Rights Reserved
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Warning Signs
Paying Attention To Red Flags
Just as the universe wants to provide for our needs, it also seeks to protect us from dangerous situations, destructive relationships, and even minor inconveniences. Frequently in our lives, perhaps everyday, we encounter psychic red flags warning us of potential problems or accidents. We may not always recognize the signs. However, more often than not, we may choose to ignore our intuition when it tells us that "something just isn’t right."
Red flags often come in the form of feelings urging us to pause for a moment, listen to our intuition, and reconsider. We may even experience a "bad" feeling in our bellies. This is a red flag letting us know that there may be a problem. We may not even know what the red flag is about. All we know is that the universe is trying to wave us in a different direction. We just have to pay attention and go another way. We may even wonder whether we are paranoid or imagining things. However, when we look back at a situation or relationship where there were red flags, it becomes easy to understand exactly what those warning signs meant. More often than not, a red flag is not a false warning. Rather, it is the universe’s way of informing us, through our own innate guidance system, that our path best lies elsewhere.
We may try to ignore the red flags waving our way, dismissing our unease as illogical. Yet it is always in our best interest to pay attention to them. For example, we may meet someone who outwardly seems perfect. They are intelligent, attractive, and charming. Yet, for some reason, being around them makes us feel uneasy. Any interactions we have with them are awkward and leave us feeling like there is something "off" about the situation. This is not necessarily a bad person. But, for some reason, the universe is directing us away from them. Red flags are intended with our best interests at heart. No harm can ever come from stopping long enough to heed a red flag. Pay attention to any red flags that pop up. The universe is always looking out for you.
© 2004-08 DailyOM - All Rights Reserved
Just as the universe wants to provide for our needs, it also seeks to protect us from dangerous situations, destructive relationships, and even minor inconveniences. Frequently in our lives, perhaps everyday, we encounter psychic red flags warning us of potential problems or accidents. We may not always recognize the signs. However, more often than not, we may choose to ignore our intuition when it tells us that "something just isn’t right."
Red flags often come in the form of feelings urging us to pause for a moment, listen to our intuition, and reconsider. We may even experience a "bad" feeling in our bellies. This is a red flag letting us know that there may be a problem. We may not even know what the red flag is about. All we know is that the universe is trying to wave us in a different direction. We just have to pay attention and go another way. We may even wonder whether we are paranoid or imagining things. However, when we look back at a situation or relationship where there were red flags, it becomes easy to understand exactly what those warning signs meant. More often than not, a red flag is not a false warning. Rather, it is the universe’s way of informing us, through our own innate guidance system, that our path best lies elsewhere.
We may try to ignore the red flags waving our way, dismissing our unease as illogical. Yet it is always in our best interest to pay attention to them. For example, we may meet someone who outwardly seems perfect. They are intelligent, attractive, and charming. Yet, for some reason, being around them makes us feel uneasy. Any interactions we have with them are awkward and leave us feeling like there is something "off" about the situation. This is not necessarily a bad person. But, for some reason, the universe is directing us away from them. Red flags are intended with our best interests at heart. No harm can ever come from stopping long enough to heed a red flag. Pay attention to any red flags that pop up. The universe is always looking out for you.
© 2004-08 DailyOM - All Rights Reserved
Thursday, December 4, 2008
7 Timeless Thoughts on Patience
“God bestows upon one man genius without patience and upon another man patience without genius. The relative achievements of the two are often surprising.”
Walter C. Klein
“Patience is the companion of wisdom.”
St. Augustine
“If I have made any valuable discoveries, it has been owing more to patient attention than to any other talent.”
Sir Isaac Newton
One of the most helpful qualities a person can have if s/he wants to grow is to be patient. With patience and persistence you can overcome pretty much anything.But why is it hard to be patient? And how can patience help you out practically in life?
Here are seven timeless thoughts that may give some answers to such questions.
1. Social programming can stand in the way.
“How can a society that exists on instant mashed potatoes, packaged cake mixes, frozen dinners, and instant cameras teach patience to its young?”
Paul Sweeney
Everything is moving fast in today’s society. Instant gratification is default setting in many minds.I’m not saying this to rail against today’s society. I’m just saying it to give at least a partial explanation why patience is hard to understand and use to your advantage. Social programming doesn’t pay much attention to patience. It wants you to do more right now instead. And after a few years here you may want to have more things right now. And the thought of delaying gratification may seem a bit… weird.
2. With patience you’ll get it.
“He that can have patience, can have what he will”
Benjamin Franklin
This may not be such a popular thought. People may not want to hear about it. Still it’s what every successful person has had. They chipped away. Practised day in and day out. It often looks like they have some massive talent when they become successful. That might be the case. But people may not see all the years of hard work that came before that big break. Or they don’t want to see it and instead rationalize it as “huge talent”. That way they don’t have to think about the fact that they also have the option of putting in all that work. And that they that way could perhaps someday even outdo the dreams they have right now. It’s easier to just put it down as huge talent. And keep dreaming about quick fixes and magic pills.
3. Don’t give up yet.
“Patience is necessary, and one cannot reap immediately where one has sown.”
Soren Kierkegaard
“It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.“
Albert Einstein
Since society tells us to look for quick fixes it’s easy to make the mistake of giving up to soon. After you have failed perhaps 1-5 times. That’s the “normal” thing to do. But what could have happened if someone just kept going after that? And for each failure learned more and more about what works?I think people often make a mistake of giving up too early. Your mind probably has a reasonable timeframe for success. This might not correspond to a realistic timeframe though. It’s useful to take a break from advertised perspectives and let more realistic perspectives seep into your mind. Learn from people who have gone where you want to go. Talk to them. Read what they have to say in books or online. This will not give complete plan but a clearer perspective of what is needed to achieve what you want.Now, that’s not to say that you should never quit. But it can be helpful to keep going on your current path for a while longer.And that’s not to say that you should do the same thing over and over in exactly the same manner. It’s better to do and get an experience. Take the lessons you can learn from that real life experience. And then adjust how you do things as you try again.
4. It gives you an advantage.
“Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances.”
Thomas Jefferson
While other people fly off the handle you can remain cool and patient. While other people give up after trying a few times you keep moving. While others run in circles chasing the next quick solution to their problems you stay steadily on your path.
5. It’s a form of protection.
“Patience serves as a protection against wrongs as clothes do against cold. For if you put on more clothes as the cold increases, it will have no power to hurt you. So in like manner you must grow in patience when you meet with great wrongs, and they will be powerless to vex your mind.”
Leonardo Da Vinci
This is a wonderful point. With patience wrongs or failure will not feel like the end of the world. They no longer hold such a a large emotional power over you that you just give up. You know that if you just keep going and perhaps adjust how you do things then your life will improve.
6. Build it.
“Patience can’t be acquired overnight. It is just like building up a muscle. Every day you need to work on it.”
Eknath Easwaran
“We could never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in the world.”
Helen Keller
The more you can remain patient the easier it gets. It’s a muscle you build over years of time. As Keller says, life can teach you to become more patient. During the rough parts of life you often have no choice but to be patient. These are the times that will especially strengthen your patience muscle. When we are young we get much of what we want instantly from our parents and other grown ups. As we become adults we learn that people won’t give us everything we want anymore. If we want to have the things we really want we often have to learn to be patient. Otherwise we may time after time wind up in a loop where we get things we kinda want right now to cover up the real wants. This can bring dissatisfaction after the initial buzz of newness dissipates. A vague knowing at the back of our heads. As we consume more right now to make that uneasiness go away.
7. Be patient with yourself.
“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering you own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them - every day begin the task anew.”
St. Francis de Sales
This is a very important thing to keep in mind when it comes to personal development and life. Because things will not always go as planned. You will fail. You will bail out because of fear. You will become confused. You will do things you know you shouldn’t have done. You will probably do these things more than once. Don’t beat yourself up about it for two weeks or three months. Or give up. Be patient with yourself. And get back up on that horse and back in the saddle again tomorrow.
Walter C. Klein
“Patience is the companion of wisdom.”
St. Augustine
“If I have made any valuable discoveries, it has been owing more to patient attention than to any other talent.”
Sir Isaac Newton
One of the most helpful qualities a person can have if s/he wants to grow is to be patient. With patience and persistence you can overcome pretty much anything.But why is it hard to be patient? And how can patience help you out practically in life?
Here are seven timeless thoughts that may give some answers to such questions.
1. Social programming can stand in the way.
“How can a society that exists on instant mashed potatoes, packaged cake mixes, frozen dinners, and instant cameras teach patience to its young?”
Paul Sweeney
Everything is moving fast in today’s society. Instant gratification is default setting in many minds.I’m not saying this to rail against today’s society. I’m just saying it to give at least a partial explanation why patience is hard to understand and use to your advantage. Social programming doesn’t pay much attention to patience. It wants you to do more right now instead. And after a few years here you may want to have more things right now. And the thought of delaying gratification may seem a bit… weird.
2. With patience you’ll get it.
“He that can have patience, can have what he will”
Benjamin Franklin
This may not be such a popular thought. People may not want to hear about it. Still it’s what every successful person has had. They chipped away. Practised day in and day out. It often looks like they have some massive talent when they become successful. That might be the case. But people may not see all the years of hard work that came before that big break. Or they don’t want to see it and instead rationalize it as “huge talent”. That way they don’t have to think about the fact that they also have the option of putting in all that work. And that they that way could perhaps someday even outdo the dreams they have right now. It’s easier to just put it down as huge talent. And keep dreaming about quick fixes and magic pills.
3. Don’t give up yet.
“Patience is necessary, and one cannot reap immediately where one has sown.”
Soren Kierkegaard
“It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.“
Albert Einstein
Since society tells us to look for quick fixes it’s easy to make the mistake of giving up to soon. After you have failed perhaps 1-5 times. That’s the “normal” thing to do. But what could have happened if someone just kept going after that? And for each failure learned more and more about what works?I think people often make a mistake of giving up too early. Your mind probably has a reasonable timeframe for success. This might not correspond to a realistic timeframe though. It’s useful to take a break from advertised perspectives and let more realistic perspectives seep into your mind. Learn from people who have gone where you want to go. Talk to them. Read what they have to say in books or online. This will not give complete plan but a clearer perspective of what is needed to achieve what you want.Now, that’s not to say that you should never quit. But it can be helpful to keep going on your current path for a while longer.And that’s not to say that you should do the same thing over and over in exactly the same manner. It’s better to do and get an experience. Take the lessons you can learn from that real life experience. And then adjust how you do things as you try again.
4. It gives you an advantage.
“Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances.”
Thomas Jefferson
While other people fly off the handle you can remain cool and patient. While other people give up after trying a few times you keep moving. While others run in circles chasing the next quick solution to their problems you stay steadily on your path.
5. It’s a form of protection.
“Patience serves as a protection against wrongs as clothes do against cold. For if you put on more clothes as the cold increases, it will have no power to hurt you. So in like manner you must grow in patience when you meet with great wrongs, and they will be powerless to vex your mind.”
Leonardo Da Vinci
This is a wonderful point. With patience wrongs or failure will not feel like the end of the world. They no longer hold such a a large emotional power over you that you just give up. You know that if you just keep going and perhaps adjust how you do things then your life will improve.
6. Build it.
“Patience can’t be acquired overnight. It is just like building up a muscle. Every day you need to work on it.”
Eknath Easwaran
“We could never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in the world.”
Helen Keller
The more you can remain patient the easier it gets. It’s a muscle you build over years of time. As Keller says, life can teach you to become more patient. During the rough parts of life you often have no choice but to be patient. These are the times that will especially strengthen your patience muscle. When we are young we get much of what we want instantly from our parents and other grown ups. As we become adults we learn that people won’t give us everything we want anymore. If we want to have the things we really want we often have to learn to be patient. Otherwise we may time after time wind up in a loop where we get things we kinda want right now to cover up the real wants. This can bring dissatisfaction after the initial buzz of newness dissipates. A vague knowing at the back of our heads. As we consume more right now to make that uneasiness go away.
7. Be patient with yourself.
“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering you own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them - every day begin the task anew.”
St. Francis de Sales
This is a very important thing to keep in mind when it comes to personal development and life. Because things will not always go as planned. You will fail. You will bail out because of fear. You will become confused. You will do things you know you shouldn’t have done. You will probably do these things more than once. Don’t beat yourself up about it for two weeks or three months. Or give up. Be patient with yourself. And get back up on that horse and back in the saddle again tomorrow.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Growing Pains
Initiations For Growth
Life is about growth, which is wonderful, though not always easy. Indeed, many of life’s lessons can be painful or difficult. Yet, such challenges are often the ones that present the most opportunity for spiritual growth. Initiations for growth come in many forms. In fact, we can view every challenge in life as an opportunity to learn and grow. While these disruptions in life are not easy, they are necessary.
The challenges the universe sends us can seem unbearable at times: a job we don’t want to spend another day at, a broken heart that feels as if it will never heal, or a long and painful illness. And then, there are the challenges that can be just as scary because we are being called to step up to the plate in ways that we may think we are not yet ready for: overcoming our fears in order to realize a lifelong dream, leaving behind a situation or people in our life that we may have outgrown, or moving across the world for our dream job or life partner.
At such times, it can feel as if the world is testing us and that life is asking more of us than we think we can give. We may feel uncomfortable, frightened, and unsure of what to do. However, life isn’t so much going against us as it is encouraging us to grow. During these periods, we can grow stronger by putting one foot in front of the other, as we work through our challenges. We may be asked to let go of old safety measures, shift old patterns of behavior, or step into the abyss of the unknown. When we do rise to the occasion, we end up better off for having made that journey. Not only do we end up learning and growing, but we inevitably become more compassionate to the challenges of others and wiser in the ways of the world. Our faith in the universe also grows because, ultimately, we can’t help but realize how much we are supported and taken care of at all times. When we are in the midst of a growing period, it is not easy to see our reward, but it is there, waiting for us to grow big enough to reach it.
© 2004-08 DailyOM - All Rights Reserved
Life is about growth, which is wonderful, though not always easy. Indeed, many of life’s lessons can be painful or difficult. Yet, such challenges are often the ones that present the most opportunity for spiritual growth. Initiations for growth come in many forms. In fact, we can view every challenge in life as an opportunity to learn and grow. While these disruptions in life are not easy, they are necessary.
The challenges the universe sends us can seem unbearable at times: a job we don’t want to spend another day at, a broken heart that feels as if it will never heal, or a long and painful illness. And then, there are the challenges that can be just as scary because we are being called to step up to the plate in ways that we may think we are not yet ready for: overcoming our fears in order to realize a lifelong dream, leaving behind a situation or people in our life that we may have outgrown, or moving across the world for our dream job or life partner.
At such times, it can feel as if the world is testing us and that life is asking more of us than we think we can give. We may feel uncomfortable, frightened, and unsure of what to do. However, life isn’t so much going against us as it is encouraging us to grow. During these periods, we can grow stronger by putting one foot in front of the other, as we work through our challenges. We may be asked to let go of old safety measures, shift old patterns of behavior, or step into the abyss of the unknown. When we do rise to the occasion, we end up better off for having made that journey. Not only do we end up learning and growing, but we inevitably become more compassionate to the challenges of others and wiser in the ways of the world. Our faith in the universe also grows because, ultimately, we can’t help but realize how much we are supported and taken care of at all times. When we are in the midst of a growing period, it is not easy to see our reward, but it is there, waiting for us to grow big enough to reach it.
© 2004-08 DailyOM - All Rights Reserved
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