Each day is a new beginning and we have a choice as to how we want to interpret every event that we encounter. Many of our interpretations are through the lens of our past experience. We hang on to the past because we think that it defines all that we can be. As we become aware of how our past thinking distorts our present reality, we’ll be able to see today as a new day and know that nothing from our past is here and now unless we bring it into the present. Our anger occurs when a present experience triggers a past event. Most of our programming growing up was learned from loved ones who only knew what they’d been taught and that’s what they taught us so the cycle continued. We can decide now to let go of the past and how we felt about past events knowing they were colored by perspectives that we no longer want and gain nothing by revisiting. Forgiveness is the key for us and for others. A new perspective will always make our day more positive.

We invite and attract every situation and each person we encounter. Those we befriend and those we dread are people we unconsciously need to know. Any situation can be changed with a new perspective. When we’re overwhelmed by troubles, it’s not easy to see the benefits. Pain blinds us to the brighter side. No specific circumstance really matters in and of itself. They all serve to teach us to become more aware and honest about our part. Being open to a new perspective in our lives offers relief and removes resistance. Feeling better is worth whatever effort it takes. Each day presents opportunities to see our blessings. Our lives will be filled with joy and insight if we approach them with wonder, hope and acceptance. We can choose to complicate or simplify our lives no matter what’s happening. Our day will evolve based on this choice. We see what we want to see. We’re mistaken if we think that people who sing the blessings of life are luckier than us. What we see is a direct reflection of our perspectives and feelings. If we see through the eyes of love, we see life as hopeful and fulfilling. If we see through the eyes of fear, our response is usually agitated, angry and full of attack. Any small shift in perception will result in a huge change.

How we think and feel about this moment, this person, this day is our interpretation and our lives will mirror our response to every aspect. The empowerment that flows to us with a new perspective is the real miracle. Our lower consciousness or our egos are invested in the outer world and when governing our thoughts will choose to wallow in self-pity, strike back, be the victim and victimize others for revenge. This negative, narrow, hateful thought system controls people and gives rise to simple disagreements, major dysfunctions and at the extreme, violence and war. Whenever we experience even the small fruits of expressing love, we cultivate the desire to return to this system of thinking. When our emotions are triggered, it’s so helpful to go to that quiet place within and invite a different view to enter before we react. This isn’t easy but it allows our minds to stretch and make room for the new perspective. Familiar pain may seem more comfortable than unfamiliar stillness, but when we remember that all attack thoughts are a call for love, we become willing to make the effort.

Let’s commit to seeing our experiences in new and unexpected ways by simply seeking a new perspective. The miracle is that nothing has to change for us to see it differently!

Please write to me at sandyislands@hawaii.rr.com and feel free to browse previous articles under publications at www.sandyislands.com.