One of these days, I think I’m going to come up with a single statement that applies to all of the peace- disrupting thoughts and emotions that come flying in. Until that point, though, I’m going to have individually tailored responses for each separate one that I will memorize. Whether I find a comprehensive statement to cover all before I memorize each of the below doesn’t really matter, as the progress is still the same, and the pondering upon each of the below situation types will be of great benefit I think, anyway.
One day, I will conquer all of these; and I will give everything I have that it might be sooner rather than later. But… if it’s later, life will be good along the way anyway. 🙂
When I face feelings of anger or frustration, I will repeat the following to myself:
Stephen, one of your biggest goals is to be completely free of all anger and frustration and to just be patient, understanding, and unflappable. In order to get to that point, you’re going to need to choose to be completely okay with what’s going on right here, right now. If you choose not to be, you’ll be making it harder on yourself in the future. If you choose to be okay with this, you’ll make it easier on yourself in the future. How badly do you want to be free of anger and frustration? Breathe, re-center, let it go, move on.
When I face feelings of annoyance in any given situation, I will repeat the following to myself:
Stephen, one of your biggest goals in life is to be patient, kind, understanding, empathetic, and compassionate. Are you willing to let go of this small irritant to extend these gifts to [this person/situation/yourself] and truly become these things?
When I face the temptation to work more than is best for a balanced and healthy life, I will repeat the following to myself:
Stephen, you have sufficient for your needs. You didn’t come to this earth to spend your whole time working in order to be financially stable. You came to this earth to go through the experiences that would help you become infinitely loving, patient, compassionate, etc. Part of life is work, but remember where your deepest desires lie, and put the bulk of your time and energy there.
When I face desires to put myself in competition with another, to be better than them, etc., I will repeat the following to myself.
Stephen, perhaps your deepest desire of all your desires is to love everyone perfectly. You cannot want to be above or better than others and also love them perfectly. They’re opposites. Let go of your pride. Choose love instead.
When I face desires to be lazy or to procrastinate, I will repeat the following to myself:
Stephen, unless there is a reason that would make not doing this right now the best option, you’re going to need to do it some time, so just do it now. You want to be free of your tendencies to be lazy and procrastinate. Add this experience to the ones that will get you there. Otherwise, you’ll just slow your progress.
When I face feelings of impatience, I will repeat the following to myself:
Stephen, one of your biggest goals is to be able to be infinitely patient. Is there something crucial here that truly can’t wait, or are you simply impatient? If the latter, let go of your hurry. Be patient with this [person/thing/situation]. Think of how wonderful it is to be on the receiving end of patience, and be patient with [this person/thing/situation/yourself]. Nothing will be ruined. Life is good, however this goes right now.
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And these are repeats, but might as well have them in the same place all together 🙂
When I have fears about my life or the things in my life turning out differently than I want them to, I’ll say the following to myself:
Because my heart is good, and because I’m giving a worthy and sincere effort to do good, be good, and to follow God, I can trust that because God is all knowing, all wise, all powerful and all loving, no matter what happens in my life, even if it doesn’t turn out how I’d hoped, in the end, it will turn out the best way possible for everyone involved, and God will bless me with all the joy and peace and happiness that it’s possible to receive. I will lose nothing. I will eventually have everything I could ever hope for, and the promises will be fulfilled.
If I ever have doubts or fears about my own heart–that it isn’t good or good enough, that I won’t eventually choose love over selfishness in every choice and circumstance–I will say the following to myself:
Stephen, you know who you are. Your heart is love. You’ve seen it over and over and over again. All you have to do to remind yourself is look at what you want for the world and everyone in it. Go ahead, tell yourself. What do you want for every one and everything in the world?
When I face fears that are based in not having my prideful desires come true, I will say the following to myself:
Stephen, remember, your deepest desire is to love perfectly. In all reality, you don’t want this anyway because it’s selfish, and you’ve made a goal to be filled with love and to be free of all selfishness. Let this desire go. Let it float away on the wind. Focus on what you want most–to love like God does. That is your deepest desire. Don’t let this or anything else get in your way.
When I face fears that are based on the anticipation of intense physical pain, I will say the following to myself:
Pain isn’t permanent. Yes, it hurts, but pain and suffering can build your character, help you to become softer, more compassionate, more understanding, more forgiving, more gentle, more empathetic, more grateful. In fact, pain can be a tool you can use to increase in all these and many more beautiful characteristics you wish to have. Look upon pain as your friend and teacher, and look forward to the greater good you can accomplish having come through the other side of this.
Lift the World 