Monday, July 17, 2017

Planting a Seed: Appreciation

It's a beautiful day out, and I managed to get some drive time in as I went shopping for groceries, travel clothes, etc. Along the way, I found myself doing something I do often. The jazz was playing on the radio, and with the windows down, the breeze was accentuating the absolute blissfulness of the moment. I said aloud, "I love my life."
Then I thought about it. Most people probably focus so much on the bad things that are constantly coming around that they don't appreciate those little golden notes that life allows thru the cracks of the barrage of sour ones.
Here's something for you to use if you would like to improve your life and your perception of your life:
Every little positive thing, no matter how minuscule it may seem, should be given a moment to solidify on your spirit. They happen, but we are trained to ignore them, since they don't seem to amount to much (in the grand scheme.)
For instance: A breeze blows and feels good to you. A song playing evokes a happy memory. A light changes to green just as you are about to come to a stop. A beautiful piece of music soothes your mind for a few seconds or minutes, removing your trouble or trauma for even that brief time.
So often, we dismiss these trinkets, and miss the opportunity to fortify the self. More of us have to realize and take advantage of these moments. With so many external forces beating us down and stealing our joy and other treasures, we simply MUST start to fight with the only weapon that assailants of any type cannot stand up to: Your own appreciation in perspective.
Love your life in those little moments, and Life will love you back, exponentially. Your seed becomes your shade tree or even your mental yacht, after some time. I try to impart this to all students that manage to cross my path. Teach your young people and your friends this idea. The more trees you have around you, the better your chance of finding shade and empowerment.
The simple affirmation: "I am loving my life, so Life loves me, back." (Use it, freely... and figure how to make it your own) - -