Less than three weeks into the new year, there's already been a flurry of significant events. From Megxit to a deadly plane crash to bushfire crisis to the US and Iran almost going to war.
"Lord, be good to me. The sea is so wide, and my boat is so small."
I believe the meaning of that quote is one that all leaders - regardless of their faith - can understand today. There is a storm brewing out at sea in each of our lives. We don't know when it's coming, but it is impending. Each of us has to prepare for that storm.
Our calm mind is our weapon against our challenges. So I try to relax. We can only control efforts, not outcomes. Serenity, patience and wisdom are born of this understanding. We cannot directly control, people, events or results.
Our minds creates meanings about things which happens around us. We see things not as they are, but as we are. Our mind can make meaning or madness, light a candle or curse the darkness. Unfortunately, knowing this makes no difference whatsoever when you're stuck right in the middle of it all. And of course, all of this only makes things somehow even worse. To transform our lives, we need to change our expectations. Ultimately, it may be best to replace our expectations with a neutral state of openness to whatever life may bring, accepting life as it unfolds.
If you're rolling your eyes and wondering, "How does any of that help me solve my problems?" I'll tell you: it doesn't. None of this will deposit another thousand dollars into your bank account.
What this will do is help you put things in some kind of perspective and help you face life and all of its problems with a powerful attitude.
It is not easy to behave constructively in the face of negative emotions, and not easy to say a kind word when we feel angry or sad. But whether or not life is easy, holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.
Meanwhile, you put on a brave face to mask misery. Perhaps you self medicate with excessive caffeine or alcohol just to be able to function in a decent mood. If you've done any of these, you know the strain of having to keep up a chirpy appearance and smile when you're hurting inside.
One day when feeling depressed, I was on a flight descending into clouds. I watched as the sun slowly rose in the sky, lifting my spirits. When you're feeling low, devote a few minutes to meditating on these marvels of existence to rally hope. Miracles abound. Whatever you're going through, there's always hope for a new day.
"Lord, be good to me. The sea is so wide, and my boat is so small."
I believe the meaning of that quote is one that all leaders - regardless of their faith - can understand today. There is a storm brewing out at sea in each of our lives. We don't know when it's coming, but it is impending. Each of us has to prepare for that storm.
Our calm mind is our weapon against our challenges. So I try to relax. We can only control efforts, not outcomes. Serenity, patience and wisdom are born of this understanding. We cannot directly control, people, events or results.
Our minds creates meanings about things which happens around us. We see things not as they are, but as we are. Our mind can make meaning or madness, light a candle or curse the darkness. Unfortunately, knowing this makes no difference whatsoever when you're stuck right in the middle of it all. And of course, all of this only makes things somehow even worse. To transform our lives, we need to change our expectations. Ultimately, it may be best to replace our expectations with a neutral state of openness to whatever life may bring, accepting life as it unfolds.
If you're rolling your eyes and wondering, "How does any of that help me solve my problems?" I'll tell you: it doesn't. None of this will deposit another thousand dollars into your bank account.
What this will do is help you put things in some kind of perspective and help you face life and all of its problems with a powerful attitude.
It is not easy to behave constructively in the face of negative emotions, and not easy to say a kind word when we feel angry or sad. But whether or not life is easy, holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.
Meanwhile, you put on a brave face to mask misery. Perhaps you self medicate with excessive caffeine or alcohol just to be able to function in a decent mood. If you've done any of these, you know the strain of having to keep up a chirpy appearance and smile when you're hurting inside.
One day when feeling depressed, I was on a flight descending into clouds. I watched as the sun slowly rose in the sky, lifting my spirits. When you're feeling low, devote a few minutes to meditating on these marvels of existence to rally hope. Miracles abound. Whatever you're going through, there's always hope for a new day.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment