I enjoy the saying on the photo above created and shared by the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training Program: Be encouraged. Light always finds its way, even through the darkness. I have found this quote to be true for me. I have experienced that even on the darkest of days, I have the power to choose how I respond to any given situation. When I work through the darkness and connect with my inner light, I feel at peace.
During a recent meditation session, I was reminded that I have all of the peace I need within me. Sometimes I find myself expecting someone else or something outside of me to provide me with 'the thing' that will bring me to peace. In my meditative state, another message came to me: I have the power to remove the blocks I have placed in my way that prevent me from reaching the peace I seek. I loved these reminders! It is me that is preventing me from feeling peaceful. It is easy to want to blame a situation or another person for my negative thoughts. We all have free-will, and just as I have chosen to think negatively, I can choose to think positively.
We are all powerful creators with our thoughts, words, and actions. I have had more than one "Ah-ha" moment when I remember that everything I say to myself or about myself is not necessarily true. I thought maybe someone reading this newsletter could also use this gentle reminder.
I know it isn't always easy to see the positive side of things, but when I come from a place of gratitude, seeing the light within myself becomes easier. When I see the light within me, I can see the light in others. From my attitude of gratitude, I feel more centered and grounded. I become more productive and can be of service to those around me. These behaviors lead to the peace within me.
Years ago a friend of mine gifted me a gratitude journal. There were 365 pages and the journal prompted me to write down five things I was grateful for every day. Some days I wrote in the morning and listed the things that I really appreciated. The ability to see, hear, taste, smell and feel were first on my list. On other days, I wrote in the evening, choosing things that happened during my day. The smile a stranger gave to me as we walked past each other, or a small child waving at me in his excitement. Spending time with family or friends, sharing a meal, and enjoying their laughter were also on my list. All of these things aligned me with gratitude. When I opened my heart, happiness filled me. Today, I continue noting the things I am grateful to have in my life. With gratitude, I can connect with other people and to situations in a joyful way.
Have you ever kept a gratitude journal? If not, I would like to recommend it. Practicing gratitude on a daily basis was an enjoyable experience for me. When I received a smile or a wave from someone I didn't know, I wanted to return the gesture. Being in gratitude prompted me to offer strangers a compliment and I engaged in conversations more readily with people I didn't know. Simple gestures can bring happiness our way, and when we share it, it grows. Extending happiness was a way for me to grow and share my own light.
When I really look around, I know many people are in emotional pain. I find there are times when I create worry and upset for myself and my thoughts and feelings can lead me into the darkness. Luckily, I catch myself and know all of the light and love I need is within me. I just need to get out of my own way. As you read this article, I hope you are reminded of the light and love within you too.
What are you grateful for today? What tools do you incorporate into your life to connect you to your inner light? Do you catch yourself when you speak negatively? How do you correct your thinking so that you can feel more peaceful? Do you notice yourself creating blocks to your happiness?
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