“There’s only one reason why you’re not experiencing bliss at this present moment, and it’s because you’re thinking or focusing on what you don’t have…. But, right now you have everything you need to be in bliss.”
~Anthony de Mello
You may not realize it, but your attention is your most valuable resource. Because what you pay attention to creates your reality.
Feel into these three possibilities for where your attention might go:
You’re walking in nature and focusing on the sounds of the birds and the sun glistening through the trees. You experience a peaceful presence, expanded beyond yourself and your problems.
You’re attached to your thoughts, hanging onto them for dear life by paying attention to them. You experience stress, negativity, worry, and the anxious feeling that things aren’t okay.
You’re caught up in the drama of a situation, feeling agitated and out of sorts. Your attention goes to statements like these:
- What should we do??
- I can’t believe he did that—again!
- She’ll never get it together!
- This situation is terrible!
Suffering Is Optional
I listen to people chewing on their problems a lot. And I do it myself from time to time.
What I always notice, without fail, is that we have a choice. I may be sitting with someone who is suffering, but I absolutely know that freedom from this suffering is one split second away—with a shift of attention.
I always hold the possibility for their freedom—and for yours. Even though you may not know it, I know that whatever suffering you’re experiencing is not who you really are.
Just because negative thoughts come through, you don’t have to think them. If you’re caught up in drama, know that your involvement in it is optional.
Trust Yourself
What happens when you open your attention beyond the thoughts and into the present moment? It might be scary at first because you don’t know what you’ll find. And the stillness may feel way outside your comfort zone.
But this is the only way to be sane in your life. Only by coming home to yourself can you love the tender feelings that are here so they don’t drive you. Only by being with yourself can you be objective about what’s going on and gain clarity.
There is infinite support available to you in any moment, but you won’t find it in your thoughts or other people.
Bring your attention back to yourself. Put your hand on your belly, breathe, and feel your feet on the floor. Be still, and open to everything. Experience the vibration of life moving through you.
Listen deeply for the whisper of truth that offers you just what you need to know. This can be trusted.
