Posts Tagged ‘feelings’
Why—and how–do I react to people? Am I kind and loving, patient and tolerant? Or something else?
If I get upset, is my reaction because someone attacked me physically or degraded one of my core values? Or is it because of pride or a need to be right? Do I respond with little thought, without being peacefully centered? Or do I pause, pray and try to respond with maturity and love? People…
Read MoreCharacter growth or character building? One follows the natural path; the other is doing it my way.
Building indicates that I have the blueprint, that I am the planner and the “doer”; growth infers that I am willing to plant the seed, nurture and water it with the right thoughts and actions, and let God and nature decide the direction and timing of my natural growth. We’ve reached that point where we…
Read MoreAcceptance is an essential tool for a peaceful life; however acceptance occurs in stages.
If I keep running headfirst into a brick wall and it always bloodies my head, I can deny that I’m hitting the wall or deny that it’s hurting me (denying the fact of reality); but then, this leads to repeating the same action and suffering the same result. If I want to quit hurting, I…
Read MoreBuild a memory of love today; use these to rise out of future darkness
I have experienced the great advantage of almost dying, of being pretty certain that I would not live to see another day. Near death, I had no thoughts of my work, of my money or the possessions I was leaving behind. My reflections centered on the relationships and experiences in my life. I have loved…
Read MoreMy forgiveness for myself is in direct proportion to the forgiveness that I have granted others
If we are not enjoying happiness, peace and serenity, consider the possibility that we may suffer from “un-forgiveness.” Do we experience any internal conflict, guilt, remorse, or regurgitated anger when we remember a past situation? We may be aware of these remnants of the past; they may linger like a shadow just below the surface,…
Read MoreA campfire is easier to extinguish than a blazing forest fire; handling small problems prevents big ones
Common sense dictates that extinguishing a small fire is much easier than trying to control a roaring inferno. The same logic applies to our problems and discontent. Yes, there are problems that come out of nowhere; we have no warning until faced with the raging blaze that demands immediate resolution. But more often, we encounter…
Read MoreTomorrow’s dread is not real today
Worry and anxiety about tomorrow devastate today’s serenity. We start focusing on the future, thinking something “might” happen and it will have the worst possible outcome. Our fear-driven thoughts develop into an obsession that makes it impossible to feel peace in this moment. When this happens, we can stay unsettled or we can change. We…
Read MoreI should listen with my heart instead of my ears
Our relationships vary from casual contacts, friends, to those very intimate and loving associations. For each of them, it is important that we actually hear in addition to listening. Listening with our heart includes active listening; we give the person our undivided attention to demonstrate the value we place on them and on their words…
Read MoreWhenever I am upset, there is something wrong with ME.
I must be responsible for all my feelings or forever feel un-peaceful. Yes, bad things happen; people inflict real or imagined wrongs, life is hectic and I get frustrated when people or events do not meet my expectations. I cannot control other people but I can choose how I react. I must slow down, take…
Read MoreThe less love in any person’s nature, the greater his or her need for love
We sometimes encounter people who hurt us, try to use us, or even abuse us. We have a choice in how we respond. Accepting the simple truth that “Those who feel loved, act lovingly” offers a perspective that might temper our response. All true love comes from the divine source, flows to each person, through…
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