Perspective

“Everyone falls down. Getting back up is how you learn how to walk.” Walt Disney

Have you ever stayed in a sour mood when things went wrong?

When that glass slipped out of your hand and made a mess, when that project did not go to plan, when you did not get that parking spot, ...

What creates the suffering is not the actual thing that happened - because mostly those things actually do not impact our life in a big or long lasting way. It is the emotions of guilt, shame, disappointment, frustration, etc. that makes it so impactful.

Stuff happens, some things we can control, others we can not. What we ultimately have within our control is what we think and how we react. It might need practice to change the pattern though!

Today I am inviting you to change your perspective on when things do not go your way.

Have a short moment of emotional outburst if you want and then think about what the impact on this thing will be tomorrow, in 3 months or in a year. Have a think on how you may grow from this, learn something new, or create a new opportunity. 

There is one emotion that creates suffering which is worth to be felt entirely in order to feel better one day, and that is grief. Grief is  all about love and honor for who or what has been lost - but the recipient is gone. All other emotions that cause you to suffer after you fall or fail may be turned into something that creates growths, strength or more balance.

“Most great people have attained their greatest success one step beyond their greatest failure.” Napoleon Hil

This weekend, when you get into a sour mood after things do not go your way, notice how you feel, take a few deep breaths or put your hand on your heart for comfort, and ask yourself how helpful that emotion is going forward. Invite yourself gently to change the perspective: What can you learn from this ? How can you turn this into a gift or opportunity, no matter how small?

“It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” Epictetus

Maybe some loving kindness will help in those instances:

The loving kindness Metta Meditation:

May I be peaceful and at ease.

May I be well in body, mind and heart.

May I accept myself completely, just as I am in this moment.

May I be held in loving kindness. 

With kindness

Mel