I think one of the great gifts of failure and stress is that, if the despair comes on quickly, it reminds you just how far you can fall spiritually, and how deep the psychological pit really is: it is black, far and fraught with fear and danger.
See if you can identify with this occurrence: this week, I was greatly “pained” by a series of experiences. I am presently working on a project that has literally pulled more out of me than I expected was possible. It has involved a disproportionate amount of my time, which, at sixty two, I have less and less of. Nonetheless: it must be done. I must complete my mission — this mission — but it is not easy. In the past weeks, all my “finely-tuned plans” (1) have been greatly challenged, however.
During the summer, I am going abroad, flying on an inexpensive ticket. Somehow the ticket agency put my credit card through twice: I bought two tickets when only one was required. “A mere oversight,” I thought to myself. The bank quickly explained that it was your problem, not theirs. It is, after all, your credit card and therefore your fault. I had a pleasant five minutes waiting to talk to a travel agent in Uruguay — Uruguay, no less – all to resolve a banking error.
Then the Internet quit working: it was a holiday, so they couldn’t, and didn’t, come until Tuesday to rectify the problem. My work was delayed. Now to the “capper”: some people that were intimately involved with our project resigned their positions — the excuse: war, mayhem, and tragedy? No, I feel stressed. “Stressed you say? I understand.” But that is not true, I don’t really understand, nor should you. Each person is obligated to repair this emotion. I felt as if I was on a spiral downward. Like in one of those World War movies when the B-52 has caught on fire. You want to “bail out” but you can’t, it is too early. By staying on the flaming aircraft you get “the ship” and the crew safely home. (2) The point being that all emotion, ultimately resides within: it is self-generated. This, of course, refers to a person devoid of mental illness.
That being said: How do I get past my emotional crisis? How do I emerge on the other side of trauma (albeit, spiritual, physical or psychological), to a place of profound peace and mental harmony? I believe it is through effort. Each of us is unique in this undertaking. The question is “How do I rest?” In relaxation the mind is freed to make the decisions that are necessary to open one of our intrinsic doors. Those portals that each of us possesses, but few of us, curiously, gains successful access to in a lifetime: I reference four traits — the happiness, the peacefulness, the love and the seeking that defines each of us as sentient beings in this world.
Meditation in any form is useful in beginning the journey. “Meditation increases the immune response, helps attention and decision making, and changes gene activities that are the opposite of those associated with stress. Meditation is assisted by these steps: a quiet environment to help you focus; a mental device to help keep attention constant — a sound or word said repeatedly – Aum, for example (3); and a comfortable position.” Now, it is possible to meditate en plein air, (4) to meditate while walking in nature, I am sure: The point is that inside this frame that holds my being, I am my own nuclear reactor. I generate all power and all energy from within, assisted through my “six sense” to God, Gaia or the universe. You must decide your relationship: it is important.
The itinerant traveler, Christopher McCandless, (5) leaves us with a thought: So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservation, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality, nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit.
A closing thought: Each morning that I awaken, I am amazed that I have been given another opportunity to change the world in my own small way. Each of us is the same. Our mission unfolds on a daily basis. It can never been finished in one’s lifetime: it is the journey that educates, not the destination. It is important to take time to develop the beautiful you. Much like an alluring flower, it needs tillable soil, pure water and loving attention. It is worth the voyage. Only when we raise the society’s level of understanding and consciousness will we change the political world and move away from the farce that presently exists.
To sum up: This week we spoke about frustration, fear and stress and how these emotions can be controlled. All is possible through a commitment to excellence: Always excellence, why not?
Just for fun– Imagine
A philosophical question: Why do most people not want to spiritually grow and make our world a better place: fear?
This week, please reflect on how you are going to find your own personal and unique relaxation technique.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Quote: I must remember to take time to also love myself.
Footnotes:
1) Fine Tuning
2) Twelve o’clock high : S2E24 Angel BabeÂ
3) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLSggSlKD-o
4) En plein air