Do you have a tendency to place the blame for your bad moods, misfortune, unhappiness, lack of motivation, poor relationships, money problems, etc., on others or on circumstances beyond your control? If so, you are not alone. Often, we do not accept responsibility for such things because it is easier to find fault in others than to accept that the fault may lie within. Such is the nature of the ego. It is a vain creature eager to accept accolades when life is great, but reluctant to face criticism or take responsibility when life isn’t so great.
The spiritual life requires that you observe yourself. In other words, you make the effort to become acutely aware of your thoughts, attitudes, behaviors, choices, and reactions. This can be difficult at times because there may be moments in which you might not like what you see. It is imperative that you be sincere and honest with your observations.
In observing yourself, you may realize you are not in total control of your life. In other words, your day-to-day existence is more about making choices in reaction to stimuli, and less about making truly, independent choices. When we live outside of the Now, we passively react to stimuli in our environment; we go through the motions of living while not fully being here. In this state of passivity, we allow others to influence and determine our moods, feelings, thoughts, and choices.
Nothing is capable of making you frustrated, annoyed, disappointed, unhappy, or angry, unless you allow it. Nothing can stand in the way of you achieving the life you desire, unless you allow it. When you make the decision to react negatively to someone or something, you surrender to it and give it control over you. It is a choice you make.
If you are living in the Present, you are actively participating in your life. You find that you do not have to automatically react to people and situations because you are living in a state of detachment and objectivity. Consequently, you do not respond negatively because you don’t judge the individuals or circumstances in your life as right or wrong, good or bad.
If there is an area of your life in which you are not at peace, whether it is your job, your health, your finances, or your relationships, don’t immediately blame others or the circumstances you find yourself to be in. Look at it each situation objectively, with presence. Be honest with yourself and take responsibility for the choices you have made. Then, become an active force for the positive changes needed in order to have the life you desire and deserve.
Peace and Blessings,
