Contact us at: whispernthunder1@gmail.comThere is Something...
~ Carol Dixon
There is something that happens when we
seriously reflect on the events of our life and
the lessons we have hopefully learned from
them, and see clearly, from the safety of the
future, the effect that our choices had on the
events. Once we see that, the next step is to
analyze how we made those choices. If that
is done objectively we then start to understand
that our beliefs about things are behind the
thoughts which lead to the feelings, which
often cause emotional reactions to things,
rather than rational ones. If it is really understood and internalized that our own beliefs and resulting thoughts are charting our course of action then we also understand that we are, in actuality, so much more in control of our life than we may have ever realized. Slowing down the process, allowing ourselves to be conscious of each significant thought, allows us to briefly analyze those thoughts before acting on them to see if the results will meet our longtime needs or not.
It also gives us a chance to examine our beliefs and see if they are of value to us (and others) or whether they end up leading us down a path that leads to a place that we will regret. Are these beliefs reinforcing our positive goals, helping us achieve not only material goals, but goals of lasting values that help us be a person of value to ourselves and to others? Is the belief something that was imposed on us at some point in our life, which has long since outlived its usefulness? Is the belief something that we held on to in order to make us feel better, feel superior, feel like we are more important than others? Is the belief something that was “marketed” to make us feel included, while excluding and berating others? Is the belief something that helps us open our hearts and know that others matter, just like we do, and that kindness and compassion are much better travel companions than separateness and lack of caring?
Reflecting like this can be one of the most helpful guides to our lives and our future that we use. We are all capable of living in ways that improve our own lives as well as leaving a path of goodness along the way from which others can benefit. Selfishness, separateness, greed, and lack of compassion and empathy chart a path that will likely result in a lot of negativity in our lives.
There is no shame in making mistakes. Mistakes are a good thing as long as we reflect on them and learn from them. They are lessons. A person who makes mistakes and then reflects on them and alters thinking and behavior is a person who continually grows and learns. Those who fail to learn from their mistakes end up repeating them over and over, making their lives harder and stealing a more positive future for them and for those who surround them.
If we take this whole concept to a larger arena we can use it to make big, positive changes, not only in our own lives, but in the lives of others. Our example can be contagious and can literally affect masses of people to examine the course we're on and alter it for a much more positive result. The situation in our country at this time is serious. Our country is divided, and people are suffering from that division. We can help redirect this negative path by making sure our own beliefs are guiding us to improve the lives of everyone, as well as ourselves, and by sharing those beliefs with others. Too many people in our country today are being “guided” by beliefs that lead to separation and negativity. It's important to understand that we're literally all in this together. Leading by example in every way we can influences others to do the same. If the example is positive it works to improve life for us all. If it's negative, it works to hurt. The answer isn't to put others down for their conscious or unconscious beliefs. It's to be an example that cause them to examine and improve them, both for themselves and for all those around them. Too many are suffering, or about to suffer severe concequences for beliefs that have been imposed on them, or on enough others to cause a ripple effect that hurts millions. We need to stand up for what's right and be examples for others on the larger stage. And on the personal stage we can make a real difference one person at a time.