Our Choice - Life's Direction

Many of us in life allow ourselves to get caught up in our daily events, schedules, people, committees, organizations, sports, church, school and etc.

We become immersed in topics, beliefs and even our emotions. At times, to the point that we don't allow ourselves to "see" beyond that very item we have consumed ourselves with. Such as a current political move that we feel strongly about, or telling our children what is right or wrong; or that we feel a circumstance is hopeless or cannot be changed the way we desire.

The interesting aspect or key to all this, is that it begins' with a thought. Such as, "I'm depressed today" or "that makes me angry". Then, your emotions and your body follow the "instructions" that you just gave them in how to behave and respond.

The wonderful thing of this realization is that you then see that in any event or circumstance, you can choose how to feel (or program) your emotions and body to respond - along with your proceeding thought patterns.

Since your thinking isn't something that happens to you - yet is something that you do, you can control what you think and how you feel as a result!

All of which also effects your environment and those around you. For example, many have said that their families know when they are in a bad mood without them saying anything -therefore they just knew to "stay out of the way". The same applies when you choose positive thoughts, which create positive moods -thus actions to follow. Your behavior, mannerisms and actions will always follow our thought patterns. Even subtly, that is why the family "knew to stay out of the way".

By experimentation, you can even convince yourself that a specific person will not be receptive to you or your idea's, then approach them (imitating as confidently as possible otherwise) -and invariable they will do as you expect; not be receptive.

That person can "feel or sense" your non-receptivity (lack of warmth, openness, genuine behavior/honesty) and thereby will not want to "connect with" or trust you. By the reverse, believe in receptivity and obtain that or be directed where you will gain your desired goal(s).

Just as you may be able to "feel" or sense that a person is stand-offish, cold, or even seems to be "draining", is because they are not in a positive state of mind -without them having to say a word to you directly. By the same token, you may notice some people you really enjoy being around; they seem naturally positive, loving, relaxed and/or high energy.

With all this in mind, ask yourself - what am I choosing to immerse myself in? Is it negative, sad, or maybe angry, hopeless/helpless, non-productive thoughts? All which would attract those same types of people and events to repeat in my life. Or, am I immersing myself in positive, joyful, peaceful, uplifting and productive thoughts? Which would attract more of these types of individuals and events in my life. (Haven't you ever noticed when your "good" or "bad" things happen - they seem to be "all at once", or one event right after another of the same?) What kind of a living example do I want to be?

Something to remember also is not fool your self by "faking it". In other words, if you think you can fool others by just putting on a continual smile and agreeing to almost any productive word shared by others (without you actually doing anything), yet inside you're still angry, hurt, sad, or doubtful - think on this... when you've seen other's do just that, did it really "fool" you? You don't want to fake or pretend relationships or friendships of any kind, especially if you want them to be real and lasting (or at least valuable while they last). If people will lie to themselves, they will lie to you. Be honest with yourself.

Think on this: if you squeeze an orange, you get what? Orange juice, right. Well if you get a little squeeze in life (you may not be on time for an appointment; someone isn't in agreement with you/meeting your expectations or is even taking their day out "loudly" to you), whatever comes out is what you're really made up of. So what is coming out? Is it words and actions of stress, anger, doubt, fear, sadness, self-pity, or judgment? Or is it the words and actions that followed your thoughts of what's inside - called love, peace, joy, understanding, forgiveness, empathy, support, hope and encouragement?

Can we go a step deeper? Yes! You see, when you have readily expressed the ladder (love, peace, and understanding), you have thought from your true self -Spirit and/or the part called Intuition. In doing so, you have made a beautiful connection to that part of your being that is connected to divine source or creation!

When connecting with the others of self-pity, hopelessness or anger - your taking note of the "warning signs" that you are stepping away from your true self, Spirit (in which you were first created), getting further away from your source energy and living to fulfill the ego and it's illusions that you have to be separate(d) from all creation.

When you think from your true self and lead your life from Spirit first, you can have constant contact with your Creator and the ability to co-create a life and reality you truly desire. "And in God, all things are possible."

Returning to this true way of being/living is where faith comes in. Faith is the act of experiencing first hand. You move from believing (in which most aspects are taught or given by testimony) to actually knowing from within. This is because it is now "lived", not just spoken about or heard. Where there is faith, doubt cannot exist. Where there is love, hatred cannot exist. Just as, where there is light (Your Source/Creation/God is the light), darkness cannot exist. Darkness is merely the absence of light; therefore it cannot exist in the presence of light.

Simple steps to put into practice:

When you realize the thoughts that you're producing that take you further from yourself/Spirit and from your Source - tell yourself (without self-anger or resentment): "Thank-you for the reminder. I choose peace, instead of this." In doing so, you will eventually began to also feel better mentally, emotionally and even physically. This will bring better clarity to any and all of your circumstances, in which you will be better adept at resolutions and more receptive to them.

Treat your body/mind better. Eat healthier, more organic foods. Drink more water and exercise regularly. Remember that you are worthy of feeling good and being in a healthy body/mind. "God created all...and all is good..."(*Genesis).

Meditate. Meditation is simply connecting with God & Creation by getting in the silence. Think of this; the world is full of dichotomies - up/down; left/right; male/female; north/south. However, if you break everything down to their smallest molecular structures - you get particles (loosely described). Yet even more so, where everything is the same at the molecular structure - between these particles is space. In space is silence. In silence is God - the source/base of all creation. Why? Silence cannot be divided (**Dr. Wayne Dyer has described this for us in his writings and lectures). Try and you get more silence; try again and more silence. The same with the God-Source - our source (from which all was created) cannot be broken down, divided or taken apart; it just is -it is infinite! In essence is one in the same. So get in the silence, meditate regularly! Don't allow your ego (that which creates excuses to get away from God/insists on separateness) to tell you there is no time for the one that created you. You have a couple minutes at the stop light; a couple minutes in the bathroom; a couple minutes before or after morning and/or evening prayers; during your exercise routine (this is powerful); before you turn on the TV for your sports/news/soaps/etc.; waiting for the kids to come out from an event; while your fixing dinner, walking the dog; or even in the shower. Eventually you'll discover for yourself the rewards, and you'll faithfully set aside your own specific time just for you and God!

Visualize the white light (which is God/Creative energy) surrounding you, the event/circumstance and/or the people that you desire to uplift and/or would like to see "feel" better (regardless if it's changing to a positive mood or health issues).

Practice seeing something beautiful in your environment, in other people and in your immediate surroundings everyday. As well as practice finding that which you are grateful for each day. In beauty and gratitude you automatically lift your own spirits to be more positive, thus creating a positive environment around you. Also, in doing so, you realize that when one changes how one "sees" the things and people around them - the things and people around them that they see, change.

Practice helping others. This will help you! If you need to loss weight, support another that needs so even more, by exercising with them; encouraging them with positive words & healthy habits (in doing so, you forget your negative self-talk & worry by focusing on helping someone else!). If you are unhappy with your appearance, uplift someone else that may feel even worse. Help them match clothing, wear makeup properly, improve personal hygiene, point out their positive traits (without talking anything negative of yourself), exercise with them, listen to them. Do this by volunteering at a local hospital or the YMCA (in the process, you will discover that you are blessed for what you have & were born with!). Believe, conceive, sow a seed, and receive. It is amazing how we can feel purposeful everyday when we live in this manner (a strong foundation), uplifting each other and choosing to be happy, healthy & peaceful -thus making ourselves discover our true purpose in life! You can do it, too!

Published in Healing Garden Journal Spring Edition 2005; Author of Content is Dr. Josephine' (Jodi) Sheppard.
*Genesis 1:31 (NIV) "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good."
**Noted from Public Television lecture by Dr. Wayne Dyer on the basis of his book, "The Power of Intention" & his reference to his other book & CD, "Getting in the Gap."