“I do have reasons for hope: our clever brains, the resilience of nature, the indomitable human spirit, and above all, the commitment of young people when they're empowered to take action.”
~Jane Goodall
Inner conversations are going on all the time in our minds. In an attempt to keep us safe thoughts can arise to alert us to perceived dangers. All of us have a internal voice, I have a voice in my head that is often critical and admonishing. Thoughts naturally give rise to emotions and for me feeling of anxiety that manifests in my body, perhaps as a knot in my stomach or tension in my shoulders etc.
It helps to settle our nervous systems with mindfulness practices. Pausing to focus on our breathing is a simple yet profound way to return to a sense of calm, focus and presence. In this way, we can listen to the inner voice that is loving and compassionate and let the fear-based thoughts float on by, with awareness that these are only thoughts “that are real but not necessarily true”, as Tara Brach would have us remember. Gradually, the voice of Love is the one we listen to, the voice that is real and true, for we are beloved.
This brings me to recall Rumi’s fantastic poem called”
The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
As an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each as been sent
as a guide from beyond.
by Rumi, translated/interpreted by Coleman Barks
And Richard Rohr would have us remember that “this too…everything belongs.”
These days I try to notice when an unkind word reverberate in my head, I try to acknowledge it, sometimes even say thank you for trying to safeguard me and then offer myself a kind word, a touch of my hand on my cheek and a loving thought.
I think this idea of a replacement picture is very important in fostering well-being and a sense of optimism. The following one-minute video feature a child who does this instinctively and is guaranteed to will bring a smile to your face!
Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.
~Louisa May Alcott
Liz Sorensen Wessel
