Children Play

Recently, I was watching a YouTube presentation in which Osho, a spiritual teacher (1931 – 1990) shared some of his enlightening statements about life. Although Osho’s lifestyle and political beliefs were controversial, I believe that he, nevertheless, shared Truth. The subject of this article relates to the following short statement he made:

Adults play games; children play.”

I’m sure that many of you, if not all, will have intuited the point that caught my attention. It relates to the habitual unconscious need of persons (particularly in Western-style, driven societies) to be forever doing. Day after day after day we strive. We do; we go; we plan. The tragic issue, ignored by most, is that will all of our doing, we are never done. We are like spiders spinning webs in which we, ourselves, are caught by our nature. We become the prey of our own lives.

The point that Osho presented was that children, those glorious beacons who still shine with inner knowledge, still remember what it’s like to play for no sake other than to play. For them, the play isn’t the main point–it’s the only point! Conversely, our pseudo-wise adults almost always have some other goal in mind; which paradoxically robs us of the real prize.

It’s not too late: The spiritual child that is our true identity is waiting to be rediscovered. It is forever young; eternal, immortal. Given an opportunity it can still urge us to sing, to dance, to play. We own our Spirit that chance; for it has sustained us through the best of times and the worst of times. We may allow ourselves to take a break; watch a sunrise; sing for no other reason than to sing. What’s the best that could happen? We might step out of our tedious habits and into the glory of the present moment. We’ll close this article with the following lines from Osho:

Just be, total, alone in your absolute purity.

This is enlightenment.”

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2020 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones), press here. My YouTube videos can be found at Think2wice@I-Am-Aware. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. Thank You” & “Note to Publishers 🙏🏻🧡

The Power of Attention

There’s a common misconception associated with the Law of Attraction, which may be expressed thus: When I get this or achieve that, I will be happy. Due to this ill-conceived belief, many individuals spend their entire life striving to reach goals which–if and when achieved–bring little more than momentary happiness. When such occurs, most dreamers automatically reach for an even grander goal, in the futile hope that it will yield the happiness they seek. The error is believing that an object, achievement, or even a person can be the source of true joy.

How, then, can we experience the joy we desire? If objects, achievement, and persons can’t yield the happiness we desire, what can? The true answer: Our essential nature, which is joy, itself. There, in the transcendent beauty of Self, we may know firsthand the joy that’s already ours. If it has eluded us thus far, it’s only because we’ve been searching in the wrong direction–outward instead of inward. Toward this truth, I offer a quote by Paulo Coelho for contemplation:

You can become blind by seeing each day as a similar one. Each day is a different one, each day brings a miracle of its own. It’s just a matter of paying attention to this miracle.”

Attention is like a flashlight that we direct. Through it, we’re able to shine the light of consciousness in whatever direction we desire. We can shine it there–on war, famine, politics gone wrong, and crimes against humanity; or we can shine it here–on love, family, friends, food in our belly, and a roof over our head. What an amazing power we possess! In any given moment, we may direct our attention to whatever we choose. If we live consciously, the choice is ours.

Does this mean we must toss our dreams aside and leave them in the dust? Not at all. We may still proceed with our dreams–the new house or car, the great career, world travel, the loving relationship–but with a wise approach. The problem of dissatisfaction only arises when we mistake our dreams as the source of our happiness–not a complement to it! When we live the wiser way, we’re going to discover a mysterious paradox:

It’s when we’re most joyful within, that we manifest most successfully without.

Our joy is neither a million dollars away, nor the highest mountain climbed away. It’s neither a mansion away, nor a perfect lover away. It’s not a sports car away, a rich stock portfolio away, or a great travel destination away. Our joy is here, in this very moment–todayAnd the key that unlocks it to experience is gratitude. By centering our mind in the peace of the present moment, we will be surprised at what we discover. With the aim of discovering your inner joy, please contemplate the following list with a grateful heart:

  • A breath exhaled slowly, followed by the miracle of another breath inhaled.
  • The warmth of summer sun on our back.
  • A hug from–or given to–a loved one; or the memory of such.
  • The first sip of coffee in the morning.
  • A barefoot walk across carpet or a sandy beach.
  • Bread and butter, for what it signifies: we have food.
  • Eyes closed, and then opened to reveal the miracle of sight.
  • The smell of crisp clean air.
  • Beethoven’s glorious “Ode to Joy,” or even more sublime, the words “I love you.”
  • A drink of cool water…and thirst quenched.

The doorway to our transcendent state of joy cannot be found in the future; it cannot be entered tomorrow or next week or next year. The threshold to our joy is here, in the ever-present, eternal Now. The moments of our life come but once, bearing gifts both big and small. The question is, Will we receive the best this life can offer by using our attention wisely?

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2020 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones), press here. My YouTube videos can be found at Think2wice@I-Am-Aware. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. Thank You” & “Note to Publishers 🙏🏻🧡

My Sky is Blue

Chances are that most of us have heard the following question: What colour is the sky in your world? And chances are that whoever asked it (perhaps with a roll of the eyes) was implying that someone else was living in a delusional bubble for being happy and optimistic in the face of a negative reality. Whatever the reason, the expression usually carries a negative connotation.

I mention the question above to remind, or perhaps inform, that everyone’s experience of life is unique. It’s also important to understand that we attract experiences according to the habitual way we think and feel. Therefore, feeling good not only benefits us in the present moment but also sets the stage for future success. The fact is that the reality we experience can be very good even when everyone around us claims that the world is falling apart. This doesn’t make us foolish; quite the contrary, in fact. To be ruled by circumstance, or the predominant opinions of others, places us at the whims of the world. The opposite is true when we practice our right to govern our own perspective.

With this mindset, we may–despite hearing that we are beaten–think “I Am victorious!” With this mindset, we may–despite hearing that we look tired–think “I Am full of vitality!” With this mindset, we may–despite hearing that the state of the world is hopeless–think “goodness will triumph!” It’s this kind of optimism, combined with applied action, that actually creates a Blue Sky Reality. This doesn’t mean that we’re denying a negative situation; we’re simply choosing not to focus upon it.

Our evolution is up to us. In the same way that we challenge our muscles by lifting heavier weights, we can challenge our self growth by developing an attitude of greater kindness, courage, and optimism. Source will support our decision, whatever it may be.

This world can attempt to exert a negative effect, but it can’t without our permission. On any given day, we can see the news of terrible atrocities. We can listen to neighbours and hear them complain about politics, the weeds in their lawn, or the cost of a loaf of bread. Or, we may exercise our right to view the world through our own perspective. Through the use of deliberate focus and intention, we may turn our back to dark skies and face the light. And the next time someone asks “What colour is the sky in your world?” we may confidently and unapologetically reply My sky is blue.”

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2020 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones), press here. My YouTube videos can be found at Think2wice@I-Am-Aware. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. Thank You” & “Note to Publishers 🙏🏻🧡

Through The Times

Times change; they surely do. In fact, change is paradoxically one of the constants in this changeful realm. On a daily basis, all of us witness the perpetual changing–minute to hour; morning to evening, and year to yesteryear. We know with absolute certainty that’s what fashionable today–in science, medicine, politics, and culture–will surely go out of style. It’s just the way of expression here.

When I was a teenager, I wrote a poem about the subject of time. Curious then, as I still am, I expressed that I didn’t want to know what made the clock tick; I wanted to know what made the tick tick. I suppose I was searching for meaning in this clockwork mechanism in which we’re seemingly enmeshed.

Initially, we may be somewhat unaware of the flow of time’s river; for we, being swept along in it, barely notice its movement. From that perspective, our attention is almost always focused on objects of fancy along the riverbanks. One year, such may be a goal to achieve business success; the next year, a romantic relationship; and the following year, plans to travel the world. Change, change, change.

To the best of my knowledge and understanding, there’s only one thing (not a thing) that holds eternal value. The knowing of it, at least to me, is what makes the tick tick. Through all of the changing times and seasons of our lives, I believe the only tick that gives meaning to our lives is this: to share, express, and exemplify the qualities of our true Self, which is LOVE.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2020 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones), press here. My YouTube videos can be found at Think2wice@I-Am-Aware. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. Thank You” & “Note to Publishers 🙏🏻🧡

Tale of a Coffee Maker

Once upon a time, in a kingdom far far away, there lived a wealthy king. He owned many great possessions–castles, prized stallions, and land as far as the eye could see. Of all of his possessions, however, the fairest of all was his coffee maker. For years, the coffee maker had brewed countless cups of coffee to the king’s delight. He happily anticipated his first cup each and every day.

One morning, however, a pall fell over the servants working in the kitchen. Bernard, the king’s most senior servant, delivered the news: “Dear Sire,” said Bernard, “I have something of great bearing to share with thee.”

“Speak,” said the king. “What have thee to tell?”

Nervously Bernard shifted before the king. “Thy prized coffee maker, Sire; it has stopped working. A descaler symbol is present. We know not what to do.”

A grave expression fell upon the king’s face. Several moments passed in silence before he spoke. “We shall fix it. Surely there must be a way!”

“I have heard rumour,” said Bernard, “of desclaling tablets that can be added to the water to reverse the accumulation of lime.”

“Do tell,” said the king. He scratched his chin as he contemplated the situation. “Then go forthwith and fetch these descaling tablets and fixeth the problem!”

“Yes, my Sire,” said Bernard. He bowed, departed, and then mounted the king’s fastest steed. For two full days, he desperately searched the neighbouring kingdoms for the fabled tablets. After great effort–with the steed nearly dead–he located the tablets. They were as gold to him; he guarded them with his life. When he returned to the castle, he directed his fellow servants to follow the instructions carefully. Accordingly, they added one tablet to a full tank of water and cycled the mixture through the coffee maker. Eagerly Bernard waited. And waited some more. Alas, when the tank of solution had run through, the descaling symbol was still present.

The following day, the king summoned Bernard to his great chamber. “How fare thee with my prized coffee maker?”

“Dear Sire,” said Bernard with great trepidation, “I bear news that is not fair. Thy coffee maker still does not work! I fear we shall have to throw it out and get another!”

“Get another!” bellowed the king. “But I don’t desire another coffee maker! I want my coffee maker fixed, for it is the fairest in the land! Return, thee, to the kitchen and attend to the problem!”

“But, but…” stammered Bernard.

“There shall be no buts about it! Fix the problem!”

Bernard departed and conferred with the other servants. On the second attempt, they placed two descaling tablets in the water. The result was the same: the descaling symbol still remained. A great fear befell the servants, for the situation appeared hopeless. The following day, Bernard was again summoned by the king.

“How fare thee?” asked the king.

Bernard’s mournful expression told it all. “I fear, dear Sire, that the problem cannot be fixed.” He shrugged his shoulders and said, “We know not what to do.”

The king directed Bernard to sit before him. “I want you to listen well,” said the king. I have a story to tell you about my good friend Henry Ford, inventor of the automobile.”

Before he could control himself, Bernard spoke out of turn. “But, Sire,” said Bernard, obviously perplexed, “how can that be?! Henry Ford is from a future era and cannot possibly be related to this tale.”

The king’s countenance became stern; his voice gruff. “Dost thou pretend to doubt my word?” he said.

“Nay, please forgive me,” said Bernard, slumping back into his chair.

“That’s better, said the king. “Well, when my dear friend Henry Ford–who invented the assembly line and automobile–directed his engineers to design and build a V-8 engine that could be fashioned in a single casting, his engineers insisted that it couldn’t be done! They said it was impossible, but Henry decreed that it would be done! Again and again his engineers faced failure, but Henry stood his ground. Ultimately, his belief won out; and as a result his company outsold all of his competitors. I am decreeing no less a task from you. Fix my coffee maker…now! It is because we “believe” that it can be done that it “will be” done!

“Yes, my Sire,” said Bernard. He shrank away, bowing, and hastened to the kitchen.

After much deliberation with the other servants, Bernard decided that this time they would dissolve three descaling tablets in the water. He cycled the solution through the coffee maker and waited desperately, hoping for the best. This was his day to rise and shine–he must! Ten minutes passed. Twenty minutes. Thirty…until the last drop of solution had finally flowed through the king’s prized coffee maker. And…lo?

The descaling symbol had disappeared–the solution had worked! All of the servants rejoiced and there was great merriment in the kitchen. Without delay, Bernard directed a fellow servant to make the king a cup of his favourite coffee, which he delivered to the king post haste.

This time it was the king’s look that told it all. He lifted the cup of coffee from the silver tray that Bernard was holding before him. “Ahh,” said the king, as he savoured his first sip of coffee. “Now, do you see the importance of continuing to believe and persist?”

“Yes, Sire,” said Bernard. Yes, indeed.”

* * *

And of our real dreams–of improved health, greater wealth, better relationships–that add meaning to our days and hold the promise of a greater future? Hold on, hold on, hold on! Their achievement may be much closer than you realize. One more faithful attempt may make all of the difference. So often it does.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2020 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones–released September 8, 2020), press here. May it help you in your spiritual journey. 🙏🙏

Thank You” & “Note to Publishers

Let Your Kite Soar

Although times change, the theme of life remains more or less consistent: It challenges us to grow. We also learn the importance of focusing on solutions, rather than problems; for that upon which we focus determines what shows up in our reality. When we sow Strength, Faith, and Courage in our daily life, we eventually harvest results that reflect those attributes.

This short article is intended to offer a spark to help inspire you to keep reaching for, and attaining, your goals. With that in mind, I offer a short poem I wrote in my thirties:

Flying Kites

Once upon a grey September day,

I strolled into a park in which

A young boy was flying his kite–

So high I thought he’d surely run out of string.

Time swept me away as I watched him.

With muscles taut, and arms pumping,

He skillfully weaved his kite across the sky,

Slicing it through clouds that fell apart in its wake.

The wind was gusting like an angry billow,

But this young boy, undaunted,

Let his kite fly higher, and higher still.

He was fearless!

He reminded me

Of my lost, kite-flying days

When I’d tried to fly my kite

And failed.

My kite always seemed to catch the trees

Or slam headfirst into the ground.

When dusk was falling,

I walked to this young, gifted pilot

As he was reeling in his kite.

When I looked more closely

I could see that his kite was different

Than the kite I’d crashed so many times.

His kite was homemade, shaped somewhat like a box,

With parts that had been taped and glued and mended.

I asked the boy his name and age

And complimented him on his kite and his skill.

“Ah, heck,” replied this boy of nine,

“My kites wouldn’t fly at all last year.

I crashed six of my favourites,

But I just dragged them home,

Fixed them,

And tried again.”

We talked awhile longer,

But when we departed to go our separate ways,

I took his lesson with me.

– R. Arthur Russell –

***

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2020 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones), press here. My YouTube videos can be found at Think2wice@I-Am-Aware. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. Thank You” & “Note to Publishers 🙏🏻🧡

Service…With a Smile

Guilty–as charged! Yes, the title of this article is cliché, but there’s good news: the content isn’t. As you may have guessed, the content relates to service–the real kind; not the smarmy “have-a-nice-day” (insert roll of the eyes) kind. On a deeper level, service can be interpreted as Purpose, with a capital P. Through wisdom, we learn that Being, Life, and Purpose are all so interdependently woven that one thread cannot be withdrawn without tugging on the others.

It’s been shared in the past, but the message is so important that it’s worth repeating again: “We’re not here to ‘get a life’ but to express the life that ‘is’ us.” The majority of persons may find this a perplexing statement; because from the perspective of the little “i” that presumes to be running our daily lives, it can certainly seem as though we live for the sake of our “self.” The “me-kind” of purpose, which most of us may have demonstrated at one time or another, is ultimately empty and meaningless; for such means that our sole reason for living is to keep the egoic self fed, watered, and physically and mentally satisfied. Such is a brochure to a destination, and a way of living, that most individuals wouldn’t want to visit.

There’s a spiritual saying that can is paraphrased as follows: “Before you can move into the big house, you must first move out of the little house.” It means that before we can recognize our true Self (the Big House), we have to move out of the little house (the ‘i”); and we do so by investigating its nature. The question “Who Am I?” is a good place to begin. One of the glorious realizations during my transition of houses occurred when I read, and understood, the following quote. Its measure of truth–a 10/10–is deserving of center stage:

The tree does not eat of its own fruit.”

What a powerful quote–so vibrantly ripe with meaning! The words resonate with the core of our Being. They barge right past the little guy or gal who’s been pretending to be “me” and shout: “Why do I live? What’s my purpose? How may I help, contribute, and serve? When we find the answer, we discover the gold that’s to be shared with everyone! Does this describe a life of self-sacrifice? Yes, most definitely! But here’s a related point that’s referred to in the first paragraph: The self that’s surrendered isn’t real. We only sacrifice the thief that’s been robbing our life of true joy.

A secondary, yet important, point is worth making: When we knowingly discover our true Self, our lingering energies of the little house may tempt us to remark about the purpose that others express. It could be tempting to judge. Resist; better yet–don’t. Would such behaviour express our highest ideal? No. Everyone one of us is at a different stage in our journey; due to this, all of us–at heart–are doing the best that we can, given our vantage point. A note of profound meaning is worth remembering:

With love as our benchmark, we can’t go wrong.

A perfect world (balanced in Harmony, Truth, and Love) demonstrates that the real reason we live is for one another. That means that the good that I do serves you; and that the good that you do serves me or one or more of our worldwide brothers and sisters. Everyone is included; for the All That Is has no room for exclusion. The phrase that describes such a way of living is Peace on Earth.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2020 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones), press here. My YouTube videos can be found at Think2wice@I-Am-Aware. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. Thank You” & “Note to Publishers 🙏🏻🧡

Place Your Reservation

Place Your Reservation

Imagine with me, if you will, that you walk into a fast food restaurant and approach the woman behind the counter. You look her in the eye and innocently say, “Yes, my last name is Smith and I have a reservation for two, at seven thirty. My friend and I would like a table with a view.”  What type of response do you think you would receive? Imagine with me, also, that you visit the beautiful state of Utah. However, instead of appreciating the beauty of it’s amazing vistas and rock formations, that you’re disappointed because you can’t reserve a hotel room with a view of the Pacific! And–you’re probably asking yourself–the point of this?

The point relates to an axiom of the Principle of Correspondence in the Kybalion, a book of ancient wisdom. It states: As Above, so Below; As Below, so Above. Meaning? It means that there is correspondence–or correlation–among the planes of being and life. The three planes– The Physical, Mental, and Spiritual–are not actual planes but arbitrary divisions or degrees in the scale of life. Such divisions are not hard and fast but shade in and out of one another. The Principle of Correspondence is important to understand, for with it, we can–and will–manifest more effectively.

What does this mean, practically? It means that to manifest more effectively we must align ourselves spiritually, mentally, and physically. In the spiritual: We must habitually be whatever we desire. In the mental: we must habitually think of what we desire. In the physical, we must habitually act in ways that reflect what we desire. The three states must align–or correspond–before we’ll experience the manifestation.

Using the analogy of the reservations from the first paragraph, that means that we cannot manifest prosperity by being, thinking, and acting poor. That means that we cannot enjoy health by being, thinking, and acting sick. That means that we cannot enjoy success by being, thinking, and acting failure. To be, think, and act in ways that contradict what we desire–does not make sense; in the same way that seeking a view of the Pacific from Utah does not make sense. You just can’t get that from there.

So, what do we desire? Is it great health, increased wealth, wonderful relationships, or more success? If so, it’s time to place our reservations. How to you do this? Through the powers of our imagination–first. Be it, think it, act it! We must imagine what we desire, and concentrate with patient and detached persistence. By doing so, we’re placing our reservation with the Universe. After that, we have only to remain strong in our faith, and then act upon our intuitive nudges. Law will bring what we desire.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2020 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones–released September 8, 2020), press here. May it help you in your spiritual journey. 🙏🙏

Thank You” & “Note to Publishers

Alert to Advertising

Alert to Advertising3

Whether we realize it or not, we’re the object of advertising. Every day, we’re bombarded by it from every angle and avenue–from billboards, through print, via television and the internet. It’s an inescapable part of our life, especially for those of us who live in the developed world. The word “advertise” is defined by the Merriam-Webster’s dictionary as follows:

  • to make something known to: notify.
  • to announce publicly and make generally known.
  • to call public attention to especially by emphasizing desirable qualities so as to arouse a desire to buy or patronize

Why, though, is advertising so predominant? And why are company executives, political parties, and governments willing to spend billions on it?

For one important reason: They realize that if they can capture our attention, and place their beliefs into our mind, that we’re more likely to behave in ways that benefit them. Until the thought of their vehicles is in our mind, automobile manufacturers realize we’re unlikely to show up in their showrooms. Until the thought of their political agenda is in our mind, politicians realize they’re unlikely to get our votes. Until the thought of their travel destinations is in our mind, governments realize we’re unlikely to visit their countries and spend our valuable resources. To have their thoughts in our mind is the goal.

It’s possible, however, to see through the illusion that the advertising world attempts to foist upon us. Strong men and women choose to think deliberately, and are far less subject to the whims of others. They realize that the strongest currency they possess is their thinking! By the strength of their inner being, they determine which thoughts and beliefs will be granted entry to their consciousness. Anything less is reserved for the world of puppetry and invisible strings.

What many people may not realize is that we’re advertising to our self, via the thoughts we think and the words we speak, in every waking moment of the day. In many cases, our personal advertising campaigns can be ruthless. What a dummy, I am!  I’m worthless, useless, disgusting!  I’ll never be good enough, smart enough, attractive enough! The negative inner narrative goes on and on; hour after hour, and day after day. We also advertise to ourselves when we look into a mirror and cast a frown or look of displeasure at the very body that houses our divine spirit! How, though, may we free ourselves from such advertising? By stopping it–now and forever! We must replace it with gratitude and unconditional love toward self.

What points may be taken from this article? That it’s possible to detach from so much of what the world would have us believe. That we’re wise to be aware of the thoughts and beliefs we’re advertising to our own mind That it’s imperative to consciously choose what we accept as our personal reality. Do we entertain positive thoughts that empower us? Do we think I can more often than we think I can’t? Do we believe that good health, abundant wealth, and great success are within our reach? And lastly, we may ask this: Who decides what’s allowed entry into my mind? To be governed by anything less than our true Self is to remain in bondage.

Dare to dream.

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2017 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones), press here. My YouTube videos can be found at Think2wice@I-Am-Aware. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. Thank You” & “Note to Publishers 🙏🏻🧡

Deliberate Living

a-lesson-in-delibrate-living

Frank is having a difficult day. He realizes it immediately upon waking, after tossing and turning all night. He feels physically and emotionally drained. Within a few minutes, his day gets worse when he steps under the shower before noticing that he’s out of soap. Later, at work, he bumps into Jim and Elaine and immediately feels poor when they share details of their recent trip to Fiji. He knows that his trips to Cuba the previous winter pales by comparison. The icing on Frank’s Day occurs when he notices women in the office flirting with Doug, a new employee, who’s young, athletic, and handsome. By his own definition, Frank is old, overweight, and out of shape. Why, Frank asks himself, must life be such a struggle?

What Frank doesn’t realize is that life isn’t out to get him. Life doesn’t have an agenda to bless some and curse others. It’s an impartial force, operating impersonally. Unbeknownst to Frank, his biggest problem is that he’s unaware that the quality of his life is directly related to the nature of his thoughts about his life. On the day that Frank knows with absolute certainty that his life is terrible, the following is happening outside of his awareness:

When Frank was getting out of bed, a man named George, aged sixty-seven, is waking on a city sidewalk grate, after spending the night shivering in the only clothes he owns. While Frank was muttering about a missing bar of soap, a young African girl named Nale, who has never experienced the luxury of a shower, is desperately missing her mother, who died of AIDS the previous day. Regarding Frank’s trip to Cuba, he’s unaware that the average Cuban earns approximately $25.00 per month. And while Frank was belittling his physique, a man named Richard, who’s been in a wheelchair since a car accident, still dreams of the mobility that Frank takes for granted.

The point of relating such different lives isn’t to make us feel better by contemplating the plight of others. I’ve employed contrast to help awaken us to a new way of thinking about our own lives; to experience the immediate benefits that occur when we govern our attitude. In doing so, we become masters in the art of living. Such is not reserved for a privileged few, and we don’t have to trek to a mountaintop to attain our degree. If we’re willing to welcome our own evolution, via lessons in the trenches of life, every down will yield an up; every detour will lead to a more meaningful destination.

There are tremendous benefits when we “stay in the is-ness of life.” Stress, anxiety, and discomfort arise when we resist life; which is just another way of saying “I want life to be other than it is.” Resistance robs us of the inherent beauty in the present moment. A wiser approach is to align, here and now, with the flow of life. When we do, we’re enabled to experience peace without demanding that life change to suit our needs.

Accepting life in the present moment doesn’t mean foregoing our dreams. In fact, when we’re at peace we become an open conduit to intuitive nudges that will help us fulfill them! Once we truly know what we desire, our task is to remain strong in our faith that the way will be revealed. For those who question whether this can actually help us create a better life, my suggestion is to “try it, and see for yourself.” The process of attracting what we desire begins…in the time it takes to change our thoughts. 

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2020 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones), press here. My YouTube videos can be found at Think2wice@I-Am-Aware. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. Thank You” & “Note to Publishers 🙏🏻🧡