By Dr. Sandy Islands for Conch Color
I started my day today frustrated and overwhelmed, sweating the small stuff and feeling like a victim. The more I struggled, the more mistakes I made and the more time it took to retrace my steps and correct my errors. My judgment was poor and I overlooked important details feeling impatient and intolerant. I realized my struggles had nothing to do with my actions; it was all about my attitude. If we think we have to fight to get what we want, we’ll be fighting a lot. At any moment we can chose to approach our tasks with ease. If we refuse to participate in the struggle, we can relax into what we’re doing so that it becomes a dance. I accomplished more as my attitude relaxed than while I was in a state of fearful agitation and stress. Ease liberated my energy for more creativity. When we’re relaxed and refreshed our minds are clear, alert, our intuition is keen and we’re more aware of the right actions to take.
Let’s entertain the possibility that nothing outside of us causes stress. Everything that happens is seen through the eyes of our belief systems and emotional programming. We can’t change the situation, but we can change our attitude towards it and the way we approach it. At any moment we can choose peace over struggle. When we find ourselves struggling, we can ask, “How would this moment be different if I let it be easy?” We can take a few deep breaths, notice our body posture, and drop our shoulders which usually creep up to our ears when we’re tense. We can step outside and make contact with the beautiful nature all around us. Let’s notice when we get uptight and ask how we might handle whatever is happening if we’re relaxed? Look around for someone who appears calm and model them. Remember a time when we were in the same situation and remained calm. This memory proves that how we filter any situation through our thoughts and feelings will determine the ease or the struggle.
We’ve all heard “No pain, no gain.” This sounds like we’re here to suffer rather than view painful situations as opportunities to awaken and grow. Suffering is the universe’s way to get our attention so we can make a course correction and return to peace. It’s our job to balance our lives with time for outer activity and time for inner renewal. If we don’t slow down life will create a Stop Plan for our overworked and overscheduled lives in the form of an accident or an illness. These inconveniences ultimately reveal themselves to be gifts and blessings.
Isn’t the true measure of success – happiness? Let’s think of a peak experience born from pure joy and delight. These are times when we feel that life is good so let’s celebrate it. When we turn to the God of our understanding in times of struggle, we’re released from hardship and align with peace and love. Any view of God other than a presence that always has our highest good in mind is false. Quality relationships, inner peace, and connection to our spirit within are all more meaningful that making a killing in the marketplace. If we’re empty inside, nothing we accomplish outside will be worthwhile. We don’t acquire self-worth, we proceed from it. Alan Cohen says in his book, I Had It All the Time, “The surest sign of a nervous breakdown is the feeling that your work is extremely important.” Albert Einstein was known for taking numerous cat-naps to turn within for infinite guidance. He said, “I have not arrived at my understanding of the universe by means of the rational mind.” Let’s become aware whenever we approach life struggling and whisper, “Easy does it.”
Please write to Dr. Sandy Islands at sandyislands@hawaii.rr.com and feel free to browse previous articles at www.sandyislands.com under publications.