Growing through an experience . . .there is always an option.
While writing my book, I would often say to myself, “Barbara, read your book!”
Now you would think that someone who has published a book about finding inner peace would be able to address each situation, no matter how hectic, and remain calm and collected. However, that is not the case. I know what I am supposed to do to be peaceful, but actually doing it is a whole other thing.
No matter how much I/we meditate, think quiet thoughts and breathe deeply, life has a way of catching us at our weaker moments and takes us to places we would rather not go.
Recently, I had one of those unsettling sleepless nights. My “monkey mind” would not be quiet. No matter how much I tried to focus on my breath or repeat my quieting mantra, it would not stop jumping from one thought to another. I knew the best I could do was simply allow it to be and watch the thoughts come and go. By the time my alarm went off for an early morning meeting, I felt exhausted and was not in the best of moods.
To make matters worse, I was running late–something I hate to do—plus the blouse I planned on wearing had a loose button; the gas gauge was almost on empty because I forgot to get gas the day before; and the final straw, was a driver who cut in front of me to exit the expressway and almost hit my car. I was furious!
At that moment, something I wrote about in my book jumped out at me. Getting angry with this driver would only upset me more. I could choose to concentrate on my driving, send positive thoughts to this person, let go of my anger, and be more at peace. I had an option.
In that moment, I chose to do what I knew would help me regain a peaceful stance.
It has been said that you can go through an experience or you can grow through an experience. The option is yours. That day I grew through an experience: I not only remembered, but I actually practiced, what I had written in my book. It made all the difference for creating a calm and attentive attitude during the rest of the day.
As my journey continues, I know there will be bumps of various depths along the way, so I hold a valuable little mantra in my mind: “Barbara, read your book!”
Peace & Blessings
Coming Home to Self 