A new week has started and an upcoming new month is fast approaching. How are you? Usually, at the conclusion of a week I look back, reflecting upon what the events of the past seven days
tell me. I ask, "What happened? What is God saying, through my circumstances?"
All of life is a spiritual practice, whether we aware or not. Needed are eyes that can see not only physically, but spiritually. It's apparent my Higher Power wants me to develop thicker skin, a deeper voice and a renewed mind. I'm not talking about physical transformations.
Discernment, Detaching From Others
Routinely, I relate with a curmudgeon. His face is like a bust of Beethoven. The pain of his childhood----like the famous musician----is etched into it, the result of abuse.
The robot on the old TV series "Lost in Space," would cry out, "danger, __(you plug in the name)____, danger," when facing a threatening situation. My intuition does the same. It reminds me to stay clear of this troubled person who is a part of the fabric of my life.
I'm grateful for character discernment. It isn't my job to please unpleasant people. I pray for them, detaching from their unhappiness. As I've shared here, many a time, we are the average of five people we hang out with.
Instead, I choose to relate with those who are safe, mature, constructive and positive. And because I do, I maintain an Attitude of Gratitude.
My Gratitudes for Today:
1. I look forward to rest; after posting this I'm going to sleep. It does wonders, it helps me to thrive. Thank God for balance.
2. I worked on my bike.
I'm happy I've improved my steel steed. At night, my light will function better; also, my cyclometer has been repositioned. It is good, doing something tangible, which is quite different from the nature of my work.
Dealing With Disappointment
Not Being Externally Referented
Today, I had a great session with a couple. I helped someone see the roots for her bitterness. She discovered what lay beneath her despair and unforgiveness was a need for authenticity, integrity, honesty and transparency in authority figures she once implicitly trusted-----as an adult.
One antidote for her struggle with bitterness was looking how she can meet her needs, even when others----in her perception----let her down.
Another remedy for bitterness is learning to see that those who disappoint us as emotionally or mentally fevered. I asked: "would you spank your child for having a temperature?"
"No."
"Then, I suggest you do the same with those who let you down with their comments or upsetting behavior. It will never justify their actions, but viewing them as fevered, characterologically, helps us not take it personally."
"Oh, I see."
Now, she's more aware, less apt to place herself in child-like role of assuming others will always intend the best. It is our job to be discerning. This woman is now less sure about life, more at peace with herself.
Gratitude Number Three:
I love my profession. I'm glad I can help others enjoy the great big life God has for us.
Related Post:
Character Discernment: Spiritual Weightlifting.
How About You?
What are your gratitudes for this new week?
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