The Practice of Living

Living Life blackjack0919

Every day, I look for ways in which I can live in greater accordance with my beliefs and intentions.  In meditation, I feel at one with Spirit, peaceful, and filled with rightful thinking.  Yet, as soon as I walk out the door, my habitual thoughts, speech, and behavior slap me right in the face.  Although I see improvement, I am constantly rephrasing and correcting speech and conduct, and evaluating how I could have spoken and behaved more productively.

Present Moment Womderful Moment by Thich Nhat Hanh is a book full of “mindfulness verses” to help the reader realize the wonder in every activity. I create my own statements to respond instead of react to various situations. Nevertheless, I read Present Moment as a reference, guide, and inspiration.  The following are a few ways in which I reprogram my mind throughout the day:

  • Verse 2 in Present Moment states: “Walking on Earth is a miracle!” This reminds me to be thankful for every step that I take.  Despite all of the things about which I could complain, it really is a blessing to be alive, to have one more minute to breathe.
  • Waking up is awesome! When I don’t want to get out of bed, I give thanks for the opportunity to lie in my bed for awhile in silence.  I give thanks that I am warm, that I have a bed, that I have a house and utilities that work.  On my closet door is the following morning statement by Charles Fillmore: “I fairly sizzle with zeal and enthusiasm, and I spring forth with a mighty faith to do the things that ought to be done by me.”

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