"Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity"

-Buddha

 

“It is easy to believe we are each waves and forget we are also the ocean.”
 -Jon J. Muth

 

 

 

  
            Today what is on my mind is positive thinking. I care a lot about this subject, as it seems something many sometimes forget to do, or do not do enough of. Walking with anger of any kind of negative thinking is a kind of self-inflicted personal suffering.

            Every day I wake and the first thing I say is thank you- waking with gratitude, even if you don't feel grateful is a good step toward positive thinking. There are times we definitely feel down, and can't help the stray thought from entering our mind. Kind of like we can't help it when it's cloudy and looks awful out- but we can control how we think as one instant changes to the next, and can remind ourselves to think positive. Sometimes it’s as small as wearing a smile, and even if you don't mean it, if held long enough one of two things will happen- either you will come to believe and mean it, or your mouth will get tired.

            As a martial artist I do not just fight or do kata- life itself is an expression of myself, and the real art I practice. Sometimes my day is an abject failure- nothing goes right or as I wish. Yet even then I remind myself that all good things will lead to its opposite, and all wrong things eventually lead to right.

            Two days ago I was scheduled for a job interview for one of two positions open; when I got there I had found that one position was filled, and they had no intention to hire me. The interview turned into a less than three minute conversation, and I was dismissed thereafter that they would let me know if a position opened up.

            I left feeling disappointed and down; but I took the opportunity to take an hour and spend it with my rabbi. He recommended other places I could apply at; and sent me on my way. The simple time I spent with him at the post office, putting stamps and labels on pamphlets for his synagogue cheered me greatly, and when I left I resolved to stay positive. That good things would come.

            Today I went back in the early morning, inquiring again. This time within three minutes I was in an interview. My determination and resolve, and most importantly staying positive had paid off. I got the job. Had I given up and waited, chances are I would not have.

            Sometimes it is the hardest thing we can do to keep afloat in the stormy ocean. But when we do, we know we will continue to exist. We sometimes have to work to keep positivity in your life, but I assure you that even when you force yourself to think positive when you're in a negative mood, it will vastly improve your life.

            And even when you still can't make that change in mind- talk to someone who you know cares about you. Let them know how you feel, and ask them for help. They will most likely have just the right thing to say to dispel that mood. We can go through life and live alone, but it is with others that makes life most worth living.

            Never forget that how you think affects what you do, and what you do always returns in some form eventually. That is the law of karma and balance. Stay strong, and think positive-

Good things come, that's inevitable.


 

-Namaste

"Be a soul so bright that it can cast no shadows."