Years ago I moved from one house to another
and in the process gave up my large, spacious bedroom with an ultra
comfortable king-size bed. My new bedroom was tiny with just room enough
for a single bed. Laying in bed the first night I thought to myself,
"This is not going to work." You need to realize, by my very nature,
I require wide-open spaces with lots of breathing room.
As I lay there wide-awake I realized that
what needed to change was not the bed or room size but my perception.
With my awareness and willingness to change I was surprised at how easy
it was. Once I accepted my situation I felt a subtle, but definite internal
shift, which was accompanied by a wave of peace.
Did acceptance of that situation mean that
I was choosing to stay in it? No, not by any means, but my acceptance
allowed me to stay in it peacefully as long as it was necessary. I'm
happy to let you know that my present reality includes a king-size bed.
Today I have to remind myself of that experience
when I find myself battling my present moment by trying to force change.
And in those moments of frustration, my inner dialogue begins, "I should
be farther along than I am," "You really messed up that opportunity."
These "put-downs" produce guilt,
shame and all the negative emotions that keep me stuck in the very situation
I want to change.
Acceptance of your current situation is key
to changing it. Why? Because acceptance
allows you to see clearly what needs to change. It is literally like
putting on a new pair of glasses. The desire to change is still there
but the mad rush to do so is quieted.
The quieting of the personality and the calming
of the clamor for outer gratification are some of the wisest gifts you
can give yourself. For when you are relaxed and in a peaceful state,
guidance and solutions appear. When
you are quiet your intuition is felt, your perception is heightened
and the quality of your life improves.
Acceptance of your situation also lifts you
out of denial as to what needs to change in you before your outer reality
corresponds. If you habitually bounce checks and have money troubles
- you need to accept there is a problem. A peaceful approach, instead
of beating yourself up or staying in denial, will lead to the willingness
to address the problem and learn new skills corresponding to your finances.
You can look away from the problem and mentally
attempt to manifest more money to solve the situation…but it won't.
Even if you win the lottery, the same you who is a poor money manager
now will be operating then.
Our life situations with all their messiness
are our greatest blessings when we face them head on instead of sweeping
them under the rug. And acceptance of them allows us to clean up the
messes.
What is bothering you in your life? What
would you like to change? I wish I could
honestly tell you that all you have to do is to change your thought
and your life will change, but I can't. Yes, the outer picture might change,
but the underlying pattern will be the same.
Look at your life as it is, look at yourself
as you are and others as they are in this very moment. Accept yourself
and others with loving acceptance no matter what the appearance. When
you can do that you will have changed the lens of perception that will
lead you to a purposeful and powerful life.
© Copyright 2007 Susan
Ann Darley. All rights reserved.
COACHING - Take conscious control of your life and live
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