Next
The day is bright the temperatures are warming and for a moment, the rain has stopped in the southland. The brightness of light brings on a slight ache - as if the transition from grey and wet to clear and blue is a bit jarring. Today is Friday and the surprises ahead await.
Things in the world keep spinning. As one reads the news from either coast and the stories that emanate from the political power center of the country, the feeling of sadness can't be avoided. What has been happening to the people and leaders of this nation? The reminder as one reads the daily news: be aware but don't absorb what you learn from the stories that are part of the dailies.
Right in front of each of us is the chance to shape what is next. This fact is reflected in many places around us and the opportunities are without end. Whether it is in how we engage strangers in passing, or work with our colleagues in our jobs, or share time with family and friends - there are chances to offer care and love. This is what we need to remember, to appreciate, and to recognize as the source of hope.
It is an inspiration to realize there are so many people who have made the choice to live in a way that is in service to the needs that appear in the world. Those people can restore the energy required to keep with the challenges. What if you are one of those sources for others? Does this realization help to remove some of the disappointment that comes from the events deemed "newsworthy?".
Before answering, consider that even being able to share in this way - through a medium that was non-existent a few years ago - is amazing! There are many more amazing things that exist today that are life affirming, inspiring, and real. It is just that sometimes one forgets just how incredible it is to have arrived at this moment with all that has happened in life. And those happenings include things that one chooses as well as the surprises that are always a part of the experience. But if disappointment is weighing heavy in the heart, there are ways to remove or lessen the effect (and maybe even reverse it to back to that which reinvigorates hope)!
Remove the disappointment by:
Connecting with an open and generous heart with those you encounter.
Creating something out of nothing much - a meal, a piece of art, a poem.
Moving your body with a sense of ease and noticing where things open and close.
Listening to things, other than words.
Laughing to yourself when the ridiculous presents itself - it always does.
Finding the place within you that is filled with kindness that is inexhaustible.
What next?