I’m Focussed on My Future

 

Reviewing the activities happening at Saturday’s workshop, I’m reminded that:

• It’s good to look at what’s old through fresh eyes, to see if we can get new uses out of it.  But, if it no longer works, or there’s better, release.
• We believe we know ourselves above all others.  Reality? Without being in every situation possible, we really don’t.   And it’s unnecessary for that to happen.  Picturing what we could do in a particular circumstance prepares us; if ‘it’ arises we already have clarity about our approach.
• How we manage matters reflects what’s important to us.  If it’s something we feel needs protection our response to its threat may be very strong.  The inconsequential we don’t give head space.
• Knowing what we want helps us to focus. What you want indicates what’s important to you. Be honest about its relevance to your life and possible impact.
• We picture our past like an old movie and wish we could speak to the principal actor - us.   If you could write a note, and throw it at the screen for the you in the film to catch, what would you read?  Hopefully something that gives insight and wisdom about what to do.

Taming mind spaces and places

Is the space you’re in the place you need to be?  I’m talking about your mind.

So much goes on in it.  At any one time we’re processing zillion bits of data received through our senses.  We’re considering how to proceed or respond, the words what, if, when, why and how prefacing our acts.  We are wonderfully created beings. Yet somehow we don’t always do what we should or how we could.  This is rooted in our thinking.  Tame the mind and we’d do well for our internal and external communities. 

So how do we get our minds under control?  That’s a good question.  We often try to master other people, situations we’re in, circumstances around us and the place in which we physically live, hoping this will put us in a good space. Yet the place we struggle with most is our internal environment.  We focus on celebrity stories, bad news, gossip, contentions, and reality tv without considering what these influences generate in our minds. 

So how do we even start?  Think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable.  If it has positive motive and intent and develops excellence in you give it access.

A&E Decisions

 

An accident is when an unfortunate, unexpected or unintentional incident takes place.   Emergencies are serious and unanticipated events.  They may be dangerous and call for urgent action.  They produce immediate pain, discomfort and cries for help.  To manage these states treatments are applied based on immediate need.  Life presents conditions to us, which we might personally or corporately consider to be A&E moments.  They drive us to look to internal or external resources for support.

The decision may be right in the moment; the strategy applied correct for the instance presented.  However, continuing the same approach may not improve the condition.  The hurt may burrow deeper, the pain increase, and an ugly scar develop.   An appropriate long-term management solution will be needed, to allow full repair or healing.   

Already applied your A&E decision?  Recognise and accept that the circumstance’s nature could change and your resolution need rethought.  What to do?  Place yourself in the future you want.  Imagine what you see, feel, hear.  Ask yourself “How did I get here?”, “Whose voice did I listen to?”, “What creative, permanent solution did I implement?”. Such questions give insight into the long term strategy needed to manage the situation.

Taking a Step Back to Come Forward

 

We measure faithfulness by how frequently and persistently a person participates in an activity or project, or maintains a particular role.   The danger lies in our demanding such loyalty to the cause they feel pushed to relinquish what is truly important – being faithful to their self.   Giving a person space to step back, allows them to reflect on their contribution, revise their thoughts, recapture motivation, and perhaps in the future re-enter.  Refusal’s outcome includes frustration, anger, resentment, rejection and disassociation.

Do you want to withdraw from participating?  Fear ‘their’ disappointment?  Consider why you want/need to step back, and recognise its value to you.  Have an outcome in mind so you’re not stepping back into an abyss.  Not sure?  Stop.  Wait.  Give yourself time.  Discover.  Many people get lost because they stride away quickly, forgetting why they made the decision, and not acknowledging their innate need for destination.  It’s your opportunity to grow who you are, will be, and what you believe.  If you appreciate this it’s easier to communicate your reasoning.  Confusion and attempts at persuasion to remain happen when communication is fuzzy. 

Allow the step back chance to become a successful step forward again on a positive, constructive pathway.