Take a minute to pause and consider the stillness.
Welcome to my second blog. Having recently experienced deep peace and tranquility when surrounded by beautiful nature, I thought I would delve further into the reality of life alongside our awareness and how much we may be able to change our attitudes or not. #ctrlaltretreat
When considering this blog, I was reminded of a quote which a close friend gave to me on a wooden plaque a few years ago and which I had on my bedroom wall for years. It reads below:
"Live every moment, laugh every day, love beyond words"
Why is this particularly relevant? What can we do to make sure we act this out in our daily lives? Is it just overly optimistic or directed towards people who think in a more upbeat way?
This quote seems to imply that we can choose our mental approach to our life and then concede to life and 'what is'. Surely this is an unrealistic expectation?
But what happens when I accept what is?
This was a question which I considered recently and which has led to much internal deliberation as to whether this attitude towards reality and/or 'what is' can be used externally also. Within our own individual minds, it may seem easy to actively or passively accept the environments in which we find our minds ruminating. Yet, despite this inner peace, I think it is a lot more challenging to accept what is happening beyond our own likes, dislikes, pleasures, pains... particularly when we are apparently faced with much conflict in the world. Whether people are disturbed by poverty, war, domestic struggles, hunger, thirst, pollution or even global warming, it hardly seems right to solely acknowledge these problems. By saying that I can't make any substantial or positive change in the world, this appears to be simply giving up and yielding to these obstacles. Of course, we may not always have the energy to face up and fight but we can perceive the truth and how we can best use our vitality in the circumstance by accepting 'what is'.
Having listened to multiple podcasts on a variety of subjects ranging from health, resilience, sleep, food waste and climate change, happiness and even sustainable fashion, it has been refreshing to observe the repeated affirmation that our own mental power can really make a difference, not just in our own lives but for everyone. Having been used to challenge myself physically in a variety of sports, I have observed the impact of your mindset which can take you to heights which previously seemed unachievable - this is a simple fact of life for me. In the words of Audrey Hepburn "Nothing is impossible; the word itself says I'm possible". Just as we inhale and exhale every day of our life, I believe that we can accept 'what is' in the same manner. Nevertheless, this doesn't mean that I support submission to everything which occurs and therefore no room for change. Indeed, quite the reverse.
"Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it"
Andy Warhol's words reveal how we all have different viewpoints in life and that the same object may be perceived in disparate ways but underneath that movement lies a steadiness. Instead of becoming despondent and dispirited with all that seems unhappy in this life, I think that life provides us with the perfect opportunity to grasp with both hands what is happening in your life. Consider your current situation as you are reading this blog. You may be laughing... crying... exhausted... jubilant... frustrated... content... confused... resolved... or a mixture of everything. Or you may not have stopped to consider how you feel for a while. Or you may not know.
I am saying - that is fine. Accept it. It will pass. Things will change.
Omar Khayyam says: "Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life" - again these words may seem overly optimistic but how else do you want to spend your life? Take time for yourself and accept where you are. If there are aspects which you would like to change, accept that preference for change but try not be too hasty to act. You have to accept what is there (internally and/or externally) first, before you know how you can best change, especially without causing yourself any unnecessary hurt.
Is it really necessary to accept 'what is'?
It may seem as if acceptance of 'what is' is insufficient in instigating change but I am of the firm opinion that with acceptance comes understanding and a recognition of the present moment. The following phrase demonstrates this "A wise man makes mistakes: only a fool repeats them" as it allows for us all to be imperfect. We are flawed as human beings who often seek perfection but our willingness to admit to our faults gives us the opportunity and space to examine them and in time, perhaps change them. There may be deficiencies which we are not ever able to change but by owning up to them, we are at a far stronger position than if we are in denial.
For example, the world's natural supplies may be diminishing at an alarming rate but I don't think we can expect anyone to acknowledge this, until they accept that it is happening which will probably be as a result of being directly affected themselves...this may be in the form of a lack of wood or metal or even food. You have to accept 'what is' before you can expect any change.
I have not examined our reality in this way to terrify you into submission or acquiescence that there is no hope, but to make clear that we all do have a decision in both positive and negative scenarios. It is not always easy to accept that you may feel like a failure or that you haven't performed to your highest potential, especially if others around you have triumphed. However, the very act of accepting that you may not be happy or possibly even accepting that you can't fully accept what is [a bewildering thought!] will hearten you to be yourself and see what you can do. The answer may be to sit back and relax with friends and family until the uncomfortable emotions or feelings pass away... Or to go for a walk in the pouring rain to revel in the pathetic fallacy... Or to simply sit with yourself. The power of acceptance will guide you in the best answer for your situation, as epitomised in the following words "The best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your own arm: trust yourself".
More to come?
I hope you have enjoyed reading this blog and at least feel that you have connected again with yourself, even if just for the short time you have perused this page. Like Mahatma Gandhi said "Be the change you wish to see in the world" as together I firmly believe we can make a difference as human beings all living on this planet together. Think about the ripple effect of a smile during your day or week. This is exactly the same notion as we first learn how to look after ourselves and which then extends to others and ultimately our planet and the world. There is urgency required to reduce the human impact and remember that we cannot continue to see ourselves as being superior to other human beings and the planet. #respect
I finish with uplifting words to encourage you all to keep going and seek the best:
"Live for the moments you can't put into words"
Love,
Sitara xxx
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