…That I am hopeful?
And not about anything specific.
We humans have a tendency to look longingly for answers and escapes… at least this human does. I figured out many moons ago that I am a dreamer with problems of understanding or recognizing the “now.” What this has meant to me in the past is that I look harshly at the mistakes that have been made in the past and invariably I am somehow plotting a way to create my bliss in the (very near) future.
I have learned that people who live in the moment are not really concerned with what is wrong. They concentrate more on what is right, good and enjoyable. They are grateful and they are positive. When I am in the moment I am such a person. When I am not I don’t necessarily become a negative… .but I am fighting to avoid it. Even JUST that fight is enough to completely annihilate the chance for seeing what is right in front of your face.
This, by the way, is not to say that looking into your past (where we can hopefully learn more about ourselves in order to enjoy our present) or planning or thinking about your future is conducive to negativity. Not in the least. My past has shaped me. I have written about it extensively (or read about it from journals written in what was then the “now.”) I would not be who I am today if it were not for the things that I have done, thought, said, where I’ve been and all I’ve learned and associated with. The past is important to shape the now. My goals are vital to my growth. They allow me to be feel strong about my goals and the dreams that can provide a template for happiness in each moment.
But there definitely is something to the saying that tells us to STOP and smell the roses. Where I am in a moment can often be interpreted or perceived negatively because of a mood or any physical symptom of the life I am currently leading (fatigue, mood, stress…) I have attempted in recent months to recognize the dis-ease and stop to do a mental list of gratitude for the things that I am obviously taking for granted in that moment. As corny as that may sound it is grounding. No matter what feels “wrong” in a moment there is always a lot more that is right. Setting up my own priority or gratitude list, taking that deep breath and then moving back into whatever was affecting me… with a different mindframe is a solid example of remembering, recognizing and then seizing the moment I am in.
When I write I am in the moment. When I am on holidays I am in the moment. When I am listening to music or appreciating art (be it a movie or a painting or something of the like) I am in the moment. I know I can do it… so I must continually practice the art and create and re-create the habit to get there again.
When I do go there I am apt to look at the things that may be bothering me, for whatever reason, with a bit more of a hopeful eye. Hope is contagious and spreads through the system instantly. Unfortunately it can be swept away rather quickly as well. When I lose hope I must concentrate on finding it again. Whether it is a mantra to remind myself… a place I go… a passage I read or writing a blog or a journal entry… it is attainable.
Today I was told that I have a hopeful week ahead. There will be hope in abundance. I look forward to this and just the suggestion in and of itself is hope for hope. What does the hope mean? I am not going to define that. It could be breakthroughs in places that I have had concerns. It could be new energy from somewhere I did not expect it. It could be something that happens within me or outside of my physical being. It could be anything and I don’t want to confine it to a wish. My mind is open and accepting.
I am hopeful.
Be Happy. Be Well. Be.
October 19th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
ahh yes cousin–to be in the moment—I try often, and I shall again–”moment”-arily!!!