"...as we suffer these misfortunes we must remember that the Prophets of God Themselves were not immune from these things which men suffer. They knew sorrow, illness and pain too. They rose above these things through Their spirits, and that is what we must try and do too, when afflicted. The troubles of this world pass, and what we have left is what we have made of our souls; so it is to this we must look—to becoming more spiritual, drawing nearer to God, no matter what our human minds and bodies go through."
I passed the summer in a funk of negativity around the home we moved into in June. I harboured feelings of not having enough and by virtue of that, I was not enough. I could not access love to transmit to others when I was feeling such a high degree of negativity. I wallowed alone and spun in circles thinking that the way out of those feelings was to find a new place to live. That was not the answer as everywhere I looked was also not suitable for one reason or another. It was a sign, I realise now, that no material problem can be solved with a purely material solution. I did not look beyond the troubles I was facing to see above and beyond to the spiritual qualities I had the opportunity to acquire. What I realised this past week is that I was being challenged to find a way to accept what is and make the best of it. To look at my living situation as an opportunity to develop contentment and gratitude. It is from this vantage point that I then opened the door to new possibilities. My work in the community requires me to be a beacon of hope and light to others. When my own outlook is full of clouds and darkness it is impossible to do my work. Consequently in emerging from all this dire thinking, I have gone about making my surroundings more comfortable and beautiful. I feel more energetic, more open to others and willing to rise above it all. I see that the turmoil that I continued to stir up only served to keep me back from experiencing the joy that is always present if I care to not dwell on unpleasant things. It is humbling to consider the quote above and realise that I was not suffering anything that would serve to render me incapacitated to go about living well and being happy. It was a choice, one that my mind continuously created and perpetuated. How confining and restricting it all was! My physical surroundings have not altered but my outlook has changed and by virtue of that shift everything looks new and inviting. There is movement and a sense of freedom. When I focus on the thorns on the stem of the rose I fail to see the beauty of the rose and inhale its fragrance. I was missing out! I look forward to Autumn to find the comfort and joy in being in my space and build a haven of love. From this outlook there is only joy.
I see the wisdom in your understanding of your journey.
Yes, often our attitudes are a matter of choice. On the other hand it is important to remember that that is not always the case. In those situations it is important to get support. I am, by nature, an optimist, but there are times when that leaves me. At those times friends and family become so special.