Energy

After watching the eclipse earlier this week, I was reminded of the power of the sun. I expected the darkness. I expected the temperature drop. I expected the funny looking shadows. However, I was completely surprised by the way nature responded. I heard crickets and all sorts of buzzing noises. These animals were completely in tune with the sun's energy. A lot of people use the word "energy" to describe a variety of esoteric spiritual practices. I believe that we are all spiritual beings with a mind, body, and a soul. I believe that we tend to take care of our mind and body and neglect our soul. I believe that we get so caught up in creation that we forget about the creator. I think it was interesting that nature can submit to the sun's energy, yet we struggle with the pull of our own conscience and spirit. We struggle with listening to the small, still voice in our own head, and we deny the effect of our own power and energy. 

Perfect Peace

I've probably had more conversations about race in America more this week than I have had in a long time. I've been reminded of America's dark history that we still refuse to confront. I've seen pictures that resemble the lynch mobs of 1919. I've seen things reminiscent of Jim Crow and Reconstruction, and it saddens me. In 2017, we are seeing the same racial atrocities that occurred centuries ago. It seems like we are moving backward. We cannot afford for history to repeat itself.       Peace usually follows war. There is no need for peace when there is no violence and chaos. As much as we may not understand why all these things are happening, maybe this is necessary for us to finally address America's original sin; not greed, but racism. Maybe this is the catalyst for the change we want and desire. Maybe this is America's necessary evil to achieve perfect peace. 

Position

Sometimes, I feel like I should be further along than I am. I tend to forget my past accomplishments and only focus on what's not working now. It's easy to forget yesterday's victory. It's easy to not notice all the progress you've made. Sometimes, we forget the destination and only see our current position. Our perspective on our position needs to change. Think of your position as preparation for your next victory. You are gaining skills you will need in the next season of your life. Maybe you are being taught a lesson in patience. Maybe you are in the midst of a season of rest because you never take the time to when you are busy. Maybe you are recovering from a setback or a breakup. Whatever position you are in, there is a purpose. You may not understand it now, but in time you will. Learn today's lesson. Gain a new perspective, and play your position. 

Habits

A habit is a behavioral pattern acquired by repetition. It is your morning routine, and your nightly rituals. We all have something we do consistently, good or bad. Some of us are gym rats, while others of us are couch potatoes. Some of us are avid Starbucks drinkers, while others can't live out their Coke. My father-in-law does a self assessment every couple of years based on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven R. Covey.  Even in his retirement, he wants to make sure he is being effective. I can admit that I have a lot of bad habits, and I am making a genuine effort to be more deliberate and effective with my thoughts, resources, and actions. What do you habitually do? Do these habits help or hinder you? Are your habits effective? Below are The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and The 8th Habit which helps you transition from effectiveness to greatness:

Habit 1: Be Proactive
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
Habit 3: Put First Things First
Habit 4: Think Win/Win
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Habit 6: Synergize
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw

The 8th Habit: Find your voice and inspire others to find theirs

“Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny.”- Steven R. Covey

 

Motivation

When you wake up in the morning, what motivates you? Is it a personal desire? Is it responsibility? Is it money? Is it your never ending "to do" list? What's your motivation? Motivation is the "why" behind what you do. Does what you "do" affect others? If you cease to "do" it, will there be a void? Some people are motivated by family, the past, expectations, passion, pride and even consequences. Once you understand the "why," it is easier to determine the "how." Maybe you've lost your motivation. You don't feel a strong desire to do anything anymore. Ask yourself, "why did I want to do this in the first place?" The "why" may change over time. You may need a new source of motivation. Find it. As you evolve, so do your desires. It is ok for your desires to change. You live, you grow, and you want different things. Just keep your motivation in mind. Motivation is the driving force to your destiny. 

Unanswered

Have you asked for something repeatedly and never received it? Have you felt like your request went unheard? Sometimes, we don't always know what's best for us. I can remember asking my mom for candy. I had to have this piece of chocolate candy. Life would be over if I didn't get this candy. However, what I didn't know is that candy I just had to have would spoil my dinner, and even make me sick. I didn't care about the consequences, because I wanted the immediate gratification. Isn't that really the motivation for most things? We want what we want, and we want it now. I'm sure we can all justify all the reasons why we needed that relationship, or that job, or that thing we just couldn't live without. Some lessons are learned best by experience. Maybe, the denial we experienced was to protect us from unforeseen consequences. Maybe that unanswered request was a blessing in disguise. 

"Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers."- Garth Brooks

Humanity

What does it mean to be human? Does it mean that we were formed from the dirt or that we evolved from apes? Does it mean that we are not prone to be instinctual, but simply intellectuals? Humanity is defined by benevolence.  Humanity is our the collective experience on Earth. Humanity is not a singular experience. It is about love and compassion toward others.

“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” 
― Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness