what you think, you become

02Nov09

I’ve been to Hawaii on two separate occasions.

Each time, I was able to stand at the edges of Sunset, Banzai and Waimea, observing the most powerful bodies of water I’d ever seen in my lifetime. The sheer force of those oceans had me fearful and captivated; the heavy breaks at shore often had me taking a few steps away at the same time as they called me to move in closer.

Over these past few years I’ve often felt as though I was a novice surfer stuck riding inside the barrel of a wave far too big and powerful than I was capable of handling. The sheer power of the different thrusts and pulls had me flailing about, experiencing highs and lows and I could never seem to find a way out. The wave wouldn’t break or toss me.

And while I knew there were placid and calm waters somewhere outside of my stormy ride, I had no idea how to get out. Quite often I’d spot another surfer – sometimes they were inside the barrel with me, other times outside, but no one could take my arm and guide me out – I had to do it myself but I didn’t know how. So I just stayed there accepting the fact that maybe I’d never find my own way.

…:::

About one month ago I began reading a book called The Art of Happiness. It’s a book of conversations between a Western doctor of medicine and the Dalai Lama and is based on a few simple premises:

1. The purpose of life is happiness.

2. Happiness is determined more by the state of one’s mind than by one’s external conditions, circumstances, or events—at least once one’s basic survival needs are met.

3. Happiness can be achieved through the systematic training of our hearts and minds, through reshaping our attitudes and outlook.

4. The key to happiness is in our own hands.

“The Art of Happiness offers a variety of techniques to help overcome the destructive mental states that are the source of much of our misery—mental states such as anger, hatred, greed, jealousy, discouragement and fear.”

One month ago today, I gradually found my way out of the wave to a place that feels like this…

I don’t believe it is just the book or the Dalai Lama or the Buddhist faith principles or my very holistic approach to health and wellness … but one day I just got truly positive.

Quite a few of you have noted my recent outlook here and have even asked questions about the hows and whys and whats and all I have to say is this:

One day I decided my life is not a Monday-Sunday calendar, rather a journey and only I can navigate my journey.

It was time to stop wasting time trying to figure out why people act and do the things they do and focus on why I act and do the things I do. Other people are exactly how they’re meant to be.

It was time to start accepting everything is how it is meant to be and always will be.

It was time to start living in the now because this moment is the only guarantee on my journey.

It was time to truly love myself. It was time to look in the mirror and able to say to myself:

Yes, I am bragging. I am worth it.
I am happy, and I deserve it.
I am committed to loving me.
When I honor myself, the world shifts around me.
I am brilliant. I am proud. I am sexy.
And I am allowed to use my power
To shine and to attract greatness.
I am divine.

(Source: Gaiam Life ~ Your Guide to Better Living)

It was time to realize that everything about loving myself is right.

It was time to learn and practice compassion and empathy.

It was time to realize that what I give to the world is what I get.

It was time to be kind to the Earth which has provided me with so much.

It was time to practice daily gratitude.

It was time to make happiness my purpose.

“What you think, you become”

Filed under: nablopomo, positivity!   |  4 Comments