Finding Hope and Joy

"Don't make the same mistake as all those people who give up trying to change because they feel stuck in their habits. If you truly want to, and are willing to work hard enough, you can overcome them."

Rebbe Nachman of Breslov


A friend handed me a book the other day with the above passage in it. It was a welcome note of encouragement, as I had been feeling discouraged, and questioning the direction I was moving in in my life. My ego was also busy replaying many past events, and colouring them with a sense of failure and regret. As I read the passage, part of me felt that I simply could not try any harder to make changes in my life. The other part of me was greatly relieved to be reminded that I do not need to believe or feed, stories of discouragement and failure that the ego is always standing ready to whisper in my ear. I can always choose to see things from a different perspective.

This quote also reminded me that it is not about trying harder, which in my world is a victim position, but rather about doing whatever is needed to bring myself back to a state of peace. Trying is a practice that keeps the clouds of depression in place. What gently and completely dissipates them is to take a clear look at what I am mistakenly believing about myself and my world, and correcting those beliefs so that I can once again experience the love that I am.

Your friend with a peaceful heart.

Love,

Dawn

Reality

“Whatever I accept in my mind has reality for me.
It is my acceptance of it that makes it real.”

Where to start on this one.
To those of us who have committed their lives to a purpose of peace and joy, it is self-explanatory.
To those of us who still harbor some secret wish that something from outside our minds will make us happy, this is anathema.
It comes down to a choice between being a victim of outside circumstances or the author of my entire experience ... no matter what the world seems to throw at me! Seems like an easy choice, doesn’t it? Please do not underestimate the seductive and addictive power of the victim mindset. Love to One and all, Diederik

The Victim

At Choose Again we teach that nothing from outside of our minds can have any real effect on how we feel. Nothing outside my mind can hurt me or bring me joy and peace. This is a stretch for everyone, from total beginner to seasoned spiritual traveler. The Victim in me starts to scream, objecting loudly. The Victimizer in me has that evil little grin on his face .... the Victimizer in me sees this as a free pass. The Victimizer in me, however, doesn't grasp that I am always attacking myself. I am the Victim of my Victimizer, we are one and the same.

If I am willing to consider that I choose my experience then why would I not choose a happy one? Then I send forgiveness to both the Victim and the Victimizer, love them equally and smile. Love to One and all, Diederik