Is it really this simple?
Is
it really a matter of holding certain thoughts in my mind; ones that
are mostly and increasingly free of negative chatter and stories, that
tell truths about the present and my indomitable spirit rather than
stories of past failures or wrongs committed by or against me - and
seeing even the positive thoughts as things less pure than my indescribably beautiful and whole Being?
Is it really a matter of getting clear – I mean crystal
clear – about what it is that I am after, and then remaining true to
that vision through temporary tests and supposed setbacks? Is it a
matter of seeing that vision and retaining focus; of choosing little
symbols of what it is that I am after, like the red turntable and the
poster of the epic little space where I want to live, and the picture
taken from the deck of some other dreamer’s sailboat as it approaches
distant, sun-soaked islands?
Is
it a matter of learning to laugh when I used to cry? Of seeing beauty
where I once saw ugliness (including in the mirror)? Is it a matter of
seeing perfection where I once saw something less in relationship, in
situation, in life?
Has
it always been as simple as seeing supposed self-sacrifices as
opportunities to develop patience and compassion and wisdom, as well as
developing a self-discipline that allows me to stay in my place of peace
now and forever? And what of taking personal responsibility for the
things that happen that are difficult, where I have made choices that
encouraged those stern teachers to come to me; yet still, is that mercy
behind their eyes? Has accepting them without hatred and judgment and
self-flagellating regret always been a part of my work here?
Is
my happiness and success really the result of “throwing it out there”
and then working without frantic twitchings, without demand that things
be different NOW, but working with patience, compassion, laughter,
generosity and spontaneity as the Universe decides when I am fully ready
to receive, for my benefit and the benefit of others? Am I really in
charge of defining what “success” is, for me? Have I always been in
charge? Has it always been a function of focus, faith and fortitude?
Really? That’s it? That’s the formula? Loving life and seeing its beauty in all its forms, including myself, in every moment?
Yay!
--Eric Marley
April 16, 2012
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