Monday morning. Lots to think about. There’s Syria, the upcoming election, Fox News viewers knowing less than people who watch no news, summer vacation plans, the Mets slump, gotta put the new shutters on the house, dog needs a check up, starting up my exercise program, the neighbor’s leaf blower is making too much noise……etc. It’s endless.
We can easily get lost in it and many do.
This morning I offer a different approach to consider.
Before embarking on the voyage of real and imagined woe, close your eyes for a minute. Get quiet. And then ask your self the question, Who am I today?
Did I arrive at this precise moment in history to:
1. Chronicle personal and worldwide problems in an endless loop in my brain, or…..
2. Use all my accrued knowledge, energy and experiences to create vibrancy and aliveness today. Now. Getting coffee with a smile and a friendly word for the barista. Entering work, putting a hand on a co-workers shoulder and saying “Let’s go big this week.” Holding a door for someone unexpectedly. Looking someone right in the eye and saying, “Big day today”–and when they ask why saying, “Cause it’s today”.
One of the few things we truly control is where our attention goes. Choosing to watch the news, to trade tales of victimization with a friend, or to worry about far-flung, detached problems will pull us down to that level of being every time.
Choosing to be alive, positive, and of service to mankind usually results in, you guessed it…… being alive, positive and of service to mankind.
Some Native American Wisdom
A Native American elder once described his own inner struggles in this manner:
“Inside of me there are two dogs. One of the dogs is mean and evil. The other dog is good. The mean dog fights the good dog all the time.”
When asked which dog wins, he reflected for a moment and replied, “The one I feed the most.”