Choose Positivity

Last night I spoke about the sadness I feel for our world, something I try not to touch on because I can get dark fast. And I realized how important it is to keep one finger on my sadness while choosing humor and happiness; I think that's how to keep cynicism from creeping in. If I stay aware that I am making a choice to live in positivity, then I can keep my grief under the surface, where it gives me power rather than fatalism.   

Agenda:

1. Read "Present Moment Awareness"

2. Ponder this

3. Ongo Journal

4. Spiritual growth intention

1. Read "Present Moment Awareness":

I've been reading this book by Shannon Duncan (2001) that takes awareness one step at a time: First, body and senses; then beliefs and limitations; then emotions; and finally, reactivity. It seems like a straightforward plan!

I'm to the second section: The Illusion of Limitations, about how our beliefs seem so real. "It is a sign of mental health to question the validity of our own thoughts, which is an acknowledgement of the liquid nature of truth."

The beliefs that are currently limiting me are that I'm not wise enough to write this book; that I need to say everything all at once; that time is running out; that I care more than the next person. These beliefs lead me to cynicism, low-self esteem, fatalism, judgementalism, and self-righteousness.

These mind traps prevent me from achieving my goals, and are a major cause of my suffering. I experience what I expect to experience because of my distorted beliefs and prejudices, and tend to move towards what supports them.

"The power of keeping an open mind and a positive attitude cannot be denied."

2. Ponder this:

The reality is that I have as much time as I need to write this book, and the joy comes with understanding the shifts in thinking I need to make and how to explain those to the next person. I can make an impact, day to day, with my wise analysis, humility, and positivity, even as I take (maybe years) to write. 

3. Ongo Journal:

Last night the practice for the group Ongo session was turning towards suffering and a power greater than ourselves. Hearing how others are suffering helped me to realize that I don't want to guilt trip anyone - people are already in deep grief. I want to show a better way forward.

The needs I pinpointed are: cooperation, collaboration, and community; hope and vision; growth and evolution; humor and lightness; and to be heard. 

4. Spiritual growth intention:

The work I need to do for spiritual growth is to seek the light of truth, love, and creativity; I'm ready to make gratitude and humor my theme for growth.