Tagged: attitude
The mirror of Life
“The way life treats you is a merciless mirror image of your attitude toward life.” -Unknown
Attitude is colored by our feelings. Thus, what we feel is reflected back at us. Many believe that thoughts are the origin of what Life will give us back, thus the following quote:
“Life is a mirror and will reflect back to the thinker what he thinks into it.” – Ernest Holmes
What is harder to change, a thought or a feeling? I could think about something in a negative way and change it into a positive thought. That is the premise of “positive thinking.” However, when we feel for or against something with a certain degree of intensity, that will not be easy to change. Our attitude is emotional, feeling based first which is then cemented by thought and then expressed through words and behaviors.
“Reflection is the business of man; a sense of his state is his first duty: but who remembereth himself in joy? Is it not in mercy then that sorrow is allotted unto us?” – William Shakespeare
When we have an idea or an opinion formed as a result of meditation, we say that we are reflecting. However if our psychological stage or emotions are not harmonious, our reflection will be inaccurate. Harmony may be described as joy, but the point is to observe that as we are aligned with disharmony, then that will be the reflection back at us. We could experience the consequence of acting based on an inaccurate perception/reflection as sorrow; which is the way Life reminds us to change.
“The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them.” – Thomas Merton
The “other” is a reflection to show us what we like and dislike about ourselves. Thus, when we allow others to be as they are, we are also that openness. Love starts there. To accommodate another to fit our perception of likes and dislikes only reflects our own narcissistic egotism. There is no love there, but another opportunity to look at ourselves and hopefully, change.
*** Will resume writing on December 16th. Until then!!
Separation will bring unity
The “I” cannot fix Life, neither self…but the “I” can fix things and do things.”
Once a person learns a concept, and “buys it,” then that concept becomes an investment to protect, to treasure.
“Separation is bad. This world is the way it is because there is separation, animosity, fights, quarrels, etc. We need unity to bring peace in the world.”
The above phrase is a politician’s talk. It is the magic of empty words. Use certain keywords such as: Life, Freedom, Democracy and some method to support those “values,” to have the acceptance of the “majority.”
The other day I heard a politician trying to explain to the public, how 2 commercially competing neighbor countries, could “complement” each other. If 2 people compete against each other, there cannot be a possibility to complement each other, so is with nations for they are the extension of individuals.
The “power” of appeal over depth of understanding.
Through concepts, through thinking, through believing totally in the accuracy and truth of our own minds, we create space for self-righteousness and because of that, we are biased towards anything that goes against our “investment.”
Nevertheless, Life will teach us the lesson. Whenever there is a belief that someone is “great,” that is the exact path to diminish that one as small, minor, modest. It is just a matter of time.
Observe how your “high” at one point due to something, will become your “low” at another time, when that something is gone.
Then the advice for “others” will be: “Stay away from that.” There is no understanding of a process.
Every experience is meant to show us who we ARE as the sky reflects a cloudy afternoon in a tranquil Ocean.
The clouds are not the problem between you and the Sun. The problem is that we are incapable to enjoy the clouds…
All clouds move, they go on, never static… Once they are all gone, then we could discover that we “miss” the clouds for we realize that the Sun is too bright, too hot… suffering sets in.
“SO… What do you want me to do if “I” am burning?”
Jump into the Ocean. Don’t think too much.
Labeling separation as “bad” is not a solution. Separation does not require a solution for it is not a problem to be “fix.”
It is merely a state of being. Once that state reaches its fullness, it will change itself through a Life process of dissolution. Merely observe how Life brings the perfect setting when we are ready.
“That does not make sense. I want to help the world to be united. I want to help people who are in need, I want to make a difference and not just sit there and watch…Go with the flow…”
Then, allow for that “I” to be dissolved. Otherwise, any activity that you “do” will be tinted with egotism. Do you want change “now,” right?
If you force that to happen because it is your goal, you will be acting with violence as you will not be respecting the natural process of Life.
Please see this: If something is currently “left,” it will move to the “right.” It has its own timing to be natural. If you force that because you feel sorry, because you want change in your Life time, etc. Violence will be executed unavoidably. There are consequences for that.
“So it is better not to act, then…”
An action coming from the unity of the heart, mind and soul and expressed through the body is a wholesome action. That is a “pure” action. Typically our actions are fragmented not wholesome. There is a difference.
Would you like to spend your Life thinking about solutions, thinking about ways to bring “good” to this world by fixing it “now”?
That attitude only shows the strength of your “I.”
Life does not need of an “I” to “help it” improve.
Separation brings unity and unity will bring separation. Duality 101.
Dance the tune, move with the song, it is not about “fixing” the music, changing the song; but to learn to enjoy and appreciate “what is,” for it will change for sure.
Note: I came upon this blog: http://lonerwolf.com/ I was fascinated to find “newness” there. FYI.
On Self-Righteousness
Our attitude in life, which is naturally perfected through observation and openness to life experiences, is of great importance to take life one day at the time.
Let us say that I entered into a gym to exercise.
The gym features strident music among other things, it could be a mad house if someone turns the volume on of their wall mounted TV while using the stationary bike or headphones or just to see the different TVs displaying different programs with blistering images in all of them.
If my “ego gym” has been built around a tranquil, noise-less scenario; obviously there will be a reaction.
“ I am not exercising in that mad house. Why should I do that? All those people must be deaf in there!”
The above scenario happens in many other aspects of life very often.
We may discriminate “them” for being crazy, out-of touch-with reality, impure, savage, profane, impious, etc.
Then a commandment to live by, is necessary which will give us the sense of “being right” and for “them” to be “wrong.”
That self-righteousness will not allow someone to integrate into the Totality of “what is.”
“You shall have distaste for noisy places,” utters the commandment.
Someone who plays “rebel” to that commandment will support the opposite view: “ Noisy places are good.”
That is life in duality.
When we learn to integrate, there is no questions about “commandments” even if there is a belief that “a higher God has said so.”
Why? Because life is not “black or white.”
When we learn to integrate we will be mindful of our own state of consciousness, how we feel at that moment, the circumstances and the overall context, in such a way that our response is not a rejection, but it is harmonious, in balance with “what is.” That response is non-intellectual, by the way.
The above requires far more sensibility than following a “black and white” commandment. It requires a different state of consciousness.
Sometimes to integrate with the craziness of the noisy Gym is what is required. Many times our minds need a change from linear activities, “the same old thing.”
At other times, to leave the place will be harmonious, yet at other times to go inside for a brief time.
What is important is to acknowledge, “what is,” to appreciate it without an inner rejection just because it goes against our beliefs or commandments or any other idea; for there is a recognition that something that “is” has a reason to be there. Integration is not to “go into it” but to know when to do it, without hurting others, without “teaching” others, without the “ego” of believing that our ways are the “righteous ways.”
Why?
Because our static ways could never be the standard of “righteousness” in an ever changing, surprising Life.
Attitude and Gratitude
Many times some of us may wake up full of zest and ready for the day! However, as the day go by, that energy of joy will little by little go away… As a matter of fact, it is such a “normal” experience that we may not realize that this change may not be in us, but it is the environment affecting the way we feel in the day.
When that happens it is as if someone is driving a car to a destination, but in the way; the car starts veering to the left side little by little, and then to the right.
Those changes are our moods. If the car is unchecked, if the person driving the car is unaware, unconscious; then it is as if the car is driving itself.
An extreme case of this situation is known as bi-polar disorder.
In spirituality, the medicine for mood changing is called our attitude.
That attitude is like driving the car to a destination.
Rich is normally a joyful person. That joy becomes his trademark, that is his attitude. Things will happen. The environment around him could be totally charged with negativity, and he could pick that up as he is part of that environment, nevertheless; that attitude of joy, will take Rich through the day.
When a person is unaware of the energies coming from the environment, the above explanation will be about using “will power” to feel joyful throughout the day; that is this joy will be a “fight” to accomplish.
When a person becomes aware, conscious of the energies changing his own mood little by little; there is no “fight” going on, you just “switch” back to your previous self.
That is the importance of being aware.
If our minds are full of stuff, there is a likelihood that we will not pick up the “signals” right away, but when it is “too late,” that is when our thoughts have changed totally in a way that we believe to be “miserable.” 🙂
However, in all reality that energy of misery is something completely external. Not ours.
Attitude then becomes the source of strength to center ourselves, so the car goes to its destination. Attitude is a daily meal of awareness.
Our attitude will allow us to “survive” in whatever environment we could be.
But, what will allow us to fly like a spotted sandpiper over the Ocean of thoughts, and grow our energetic power to influence our environment?
Gratitude towards life.
Please, explore gratitude to life. This is not to say “Thank you.” This is a deep feeling where we are grateful to be alive and to experience life as it is.
In this feeling, we are not looking for changes, but it is acceptance of what is. It is the feeling of driving a car for the first time. We are grateful and excited to drive a car, that is ANY car… 🙂
Life will bring changes every day for those who are aware, that is a “different car to drive.”
Gratitude for that is very important.
But, to be able to drive to our destination, we may need to be aware of our attitude.
Gratitude and attitude are “keywords” that we cannot learn in the dictionary by giving a definition, but we learn in life through living life when we are conscious, awake, aware.
Reality check
One of the important things that we may want to observe about life, is that “reality” is one but interpreted in different ways by different people.
It is your vision and attitude coming from your own interpretation what truly makes a difference.
Being alone is the time to know yourself.
Having a relationship is the time to know yourself.
Having a disease or being healthy are excellent times to know yourself.
Having a great day at the beach, is a great time to know yourself.
A religion says reality is “this and that.”
Our educational system mentions, “This is our reality.”
Marketing and publicity will make up their own reality.
The world is bad. No, the world is good. The world will be destroyed. No, it will not happen. Life is good. No, it is not that good.
Life is short… No, it is long enough.
I believe in this. You believe in that. My reality is this…. Your reality is that.
We ought to change the world.
There is nothing to change in the world.
We need to change ourselves… Why? What is wrong with me?
Many opinions. Many interpretations.
Who has the “true” truth?
God…
Oh… you mean, what you believe to be God…
No… I know it is God.
Ahh! your reality…your belief… your idea… your opinion… your judgment… your truth… 🙂
No! It is the truth!!!
Ok. Believers need to apply.
The world is an illusion… No! it is “real.”
The opinions go on and on…
As we realize the “game of reality” is a wonderful game!
In this game, we could contemplate how the day changes into the night without our help, automatically; then we could wonder: what could “I” do in life? How can “I” add some meaning to my boring/entertaining life? 🙂
🙂 Any ideas?
I am sure there are many ideas.
Here is mine: Enjoy the moment. Love and appreciate the sunsets of life. The dynamics of love resides in the art of enjoyment. That is all… 🙂
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Today: “Your Belief: Medicine which could poison you” 6:30 PM EST
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/1catharsis
Observing Nature to learn about life
A whale moves its caudal fin (tail) from left to right to propel itself forward.
A seagull flaps its wings up and down to able to fly.
Moving forward and flying through the “obstacles” in life could be accomplished if we learn that lesson from Nature: The opposites have their own timing. If we respect that timing and allow for one side of the different dichotomies in life to express themselves, we are assuring that the complementary side will arrive in a “healthy” way.
Someone could have good health and not knowing what is “bad” health; that person could enjoy his experience or not. Then, a disease could arrive which will allow that person to know what is “bad” health…. The option after that is good health again; how do we move through those moments, how stable our attitude remains will assure that the experience of moving forward to the right to then move towards the left side of life as a fish does, will be appreciated and enjoyed as the experience unfolds.
A seagull cannot chose not to flap its wings down. “I just want to flap my wings upwards,” that cannot be done for wherever there is upwards there must be downwards, wherever there is a God, there must be a Devil; wherever there is sin, there is something moral, etc.
Interestingly enough, English does not have a word, which is the exact opposite of sin. That is because that word is a religious concept.
When our minds are full of concepts, then our lives are not connected with the “reality” of Nature and the Universe, but rather some man-made invention which even though could exist, is not “real.” That is how our feelings become disassociated with life and our mind takes over.
A triangle is a man-made concept. Through that concept we could create many things, nevertheless; triangles do not exist.
Then, Christians could use that concept for example; to depict the trinity: Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Usually a triangle is used to represent this concept, which supports the concept of the existence of a triangle. A concept may be useful, but not necessarily real.
When we use these concepts to lead our lives, we will find ourselves in different predicaments, for our interest will not be in finding virtue within but to comply to a man-made law.
When we observe Nature and the works of Nature, we could run away from the workings of the conceptual mind and free ourselves from that illusion which is a driving force in our day-to-day living.
The above is not a “belief” but it could be made if there is no experience from the readers and then, merely repetition of words, that is information; a “concept” will prevail.
When life is conceptual and mind made, then all we can hope for is to gain information.
Information is not the same as to know. Knowing requires to “be,” that is to experience something by not being the observer, but by becoming engaged, merged in that which is to be known. That is, by living life without prejudices, ideas, beliefs, taboos and all of that.
Emotional healing: The heart opens up when the mind is open
Any spiritual walker has been through many experiences in life. The recognition that spirituality is a number one priority in our lives is the trademark of “experienced” beings.
It does not matter what you believe in. Reincarnation or eternal life or nothing at all; the fact, is that there are some people who are “naturally” attracted to being at ease with life and to find a purpose for being here in peaceful enjoyment and harmonious living in relationship with all.
Usually that “search” appears when the glamour of just being trapped in the values of our materialistic society, comes to an end through “sheer” disappointment. 😦
At that point, there is a “re-birth” for finding inner fulfillment. 🙂
A spiritual walker may find in his path different religious beliefs, which are in tune with him for a certain period of time. That length of time varies among individuals. Please note that to belong to a religion is not the end of that “search” in itself, but to be awaken through conscious living.
As explained yesterday, the main tool to change our vision and attitude in life is done through self observation, that is; by watching the mind: Our thoughts, the way we communicate with others, the type of energy that comes out from our relationship with the world; knowing that those energies will come back to us.
In theory that is known as the law of karma. Practically, if we are sensible enough; we will see the consequences in our own lives.
That is why, anyone who thinks that he has a complete understanding as to how life should be, what to believe; or what is the “right thing to do;” sooner or later will find out that those ideas are not accurate. They are incomplete for “my ideas” are just a part of the totality. Because life is dynamic as Nature is; those rigid patterns will need to change according to time. Everything changes in life.
A rigid mind is a dead mind. In that state there is no openness for “newness,” but only a desire to continue with whatever seems comfortable, desirable and “right” according to our beliefs.
In short, to get out of our own self-centered ideas, however “holy” we think they are, is the first step.
As mentioned in many articles before; once we use a method to arrive at a higher consciousness, we need to abandon that method at one point in time, that is; if we are truly concerned to find out if our perceived “change” is real. That is if honesty is of paramount importance to us. Otherwise, that change of consciousness is not real. It is dependent on a method for that “new” consciousness to be experienced. This is a very important personal call. It is not for everyone to do.
As we “work” on the spider webs of our own minds, openness will arrive, some sort of acceptance of things and people as they are. Appreciation is born and with that the opportunity to heal the heart.
Why is it so important to heal the heart in this process?
Because the mind is like a computer monitor. Once we are conscious that our computer monitor is merely an output device; we can truly go deeper by “erasing” the information stored in the hard drive of the heart. To heal the heart means to “erase” previous information and to place there “newness” instead.
By understanding the mind, we will be conscious of the keyboard and the mouse. Now, we are aware that whatever we input through those devices, will be seen in the monitor. Nevertheless, the computer retrieves previous stored information all the time. If the hard drive is full with information from many experiences, the computer will be “slow,” that is any newness coming from the keyboard and mouse, will not be processed at ease.
Working with the heart and emotions is like erasing that stored data. Little by little.
Formatting the “hard drive” of our life is something that few people can stand. It is dying alive.
Life will bring the right directions when we are ready to work on our heart. The right people will appear. The right circumstance will be unveiled. However, without a previous work in our minds; we will tend to reject the “newness,” and to continue with our “old” ways, our “old” pains.
The security of a known suffering….
As we can see, to go through the above consciously, is a matter of accepting the tools that life brings.
Religions are nothing but tools. Beliefs are nothing but tools. Tools are not meant to be worshiped.
Tools are not meant to create dependency.
Tools are meant to be used, to be respected as ways in our paths to better know our own selves.
Knowing ourselves is the common end of any spiritual walker from any path, from any method.
“He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened.”
― Lao Tzu.
Exploring the Depth of Living 