HopeFul Reflections

We are the sum of our interactions, experiences, and natural tendencies. When you respond to another person you do so with a preprogrammed script that you’ve come up with through experience. Well this may have worked for you thus far in life, but sometimes you meet someone that makes you wonder if you’ve been doing it right. Sometimes you’re at a loss for how to respond to someone because they come out of left field with something unexpected, or hurtful, or amazing.

The benefit of our preprogrammed speeches and behaviors is that we have a failsafe for when we don’t want to think too hard about what to do. However, this means we may not know how to respond appropriately for more complex situations. Here I have found something that saves me at these times. We as people are not just beautiful complex beings. We are also vessels. We are able to be filled with fear and courage. We are able to be filled with love and hate.

When it is time to respond to someone and you feel unsure of what to do. Imagine yourself filled with love. The love your favorite family member gave you on your fondest memory on your favorite day. The love your pet has shown you consistently. The love you feel for others or that hobby that makes you feel free. Imagine this love, and respond from that place. When we lack love, strength, and certainty we respond with hate, and weakness, and insecurity. We all know the trouble we run into with the latter characteristics. I personally decided that I don’t want to live like that anymore. I want to feel the former characteristics. More importantly I wanted to be able to respond to others and even situations from a better place spiritually.

While it can be hard to just simply feel these things. I know it is possible trough meditation, prayer, and generally focusing one’s mind on good and peaceful things. The same way that one song brings your energy all the way to an 11/10, allow focusing your thoughts to give you the strength in spirit you need to face your challenges.

For myself when I had to respond to someone who knew exactly how to get under my skin I did the following:

1. I removed my emotional self from the situation.
2. I allowed the emotions to be felt
3. Once in a calm state of mind I prayed and envisioned myself with the support of the Father and with his love fulfilling my needs. As long as we have him we should not want.
4. After spending at least 20 minutes in this practice, I feel ready to face my day or address my issues.
5. If needed I can always repeat steps.

Doing the above truly helped me avoid my natural tendencies to shut down and respond with anger. I’m sure it can help you too.

As always, I am praying for you.

-JKG