Before the rain stops we hear a bird. Even under the heavy snow we see snowdrops and some new growth. —Shunryu Suzuki
The signals that new growth is underway are often very small at first. It's sometimes discouraging when we are trying to remake our lives and all we can see for our efforts is minor growth. That is how the natural world works, and we are part of this world. When the little sprouts of growth first develop under the snow in spring we don't even see them unless we search. Yet, they signal the beginnings of a total transformation. Time will bring vast changes, but only little signs are showing first.
Today, we may search for signs of progress in our lives. The little things we see may signal bigger transformations yet to come. To be true to them in the long run we must accept them - even welcome them - as they are today.
I will notice the subtle movements toward health and renewal in my life. Welcoming them will encourage them.
From Touchstones: A Book of Daily Meditations for Men ©
Personal Relations
Were we ever told that our problems with other people really started within ourselves? If we have trouble getting along with another person, for example, is it because we are projecting mixed signals of fear and suspicion toward that person? We tend to reap what we sow----- we get back the attitudes we project.
At the same time, however, we can't take total responsibility for the way others treat us or behave toward us. We cannot reform or control impossible people. When dealing with impossible people, we have control over our own feelings and responses. This helps us avoid potential trouble and enables us to deal with difficult situations.
But the principle of sowing what we reap….. that is, getting back what we project… can really be proved by the person whose resentments and bitterness have driven away most of his or her friends. A simple change of attitude on our part can bring startling change for the better in there responses of others. With practice, the principle also applies to the broad area of human relations in many ways. For purposes of inventory, therefore, we should always look first at ourselves and our own thoughts and feelings when we find ourselves in a bad situation with others.
Action for the Day: I will take care today to see that my thoughts and feeling toward others reflect what I want in my own life.
I must face the fact that the resentment process is not only fruitless,
it is self-defeating. Justified or not, the resentment,
and my efforts to bolster its justification, will eat away at my peace of mind
and my enjoyment of life. Meanwhile, the person I resent couldn't care less.
Here I am burning to a crisp over something he or she may not be totally aware of,
something I can't change. At the root of my resentment is a compulsion
to change things I cannot change -- to wit, another person.
So maybe what I need to do is to take a look at changing myself.
- The Best of the Grapevine [Vol. 3], p. 107
Thought to Ponder . . .
Resentment is like acid, eating away at the vessel it is stored in.
AA-related 'Alconym' . . .
A A = Attitude Adjustment.
Daily Motivation
Then ask yourself this. What one step can you take right now that will transform your wish into a work in progress?
It feels nice to wish, and yet wishing itself won't bring results. You can, however build great value from that wish by fully engaging the power of your focus and commitment.
Let yourself wish, and imagine, and dream, but don't just leave it at that. Because you owe it to yourself, and to all of life, to make something real out of what you've imagined.
Make a wish, and then step quickly in the direction it begs you to go. Make a wish, and then make it real.
-- Ralph Marston
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