lucky?
Posted by Melanie on Mar 14, 2009 in cultivating peace | 3 commentsDo we make our own luck? I think so. Maybe steady ease of mind is a potent fertilizer for a life of four-leaf clovers. You know, that aphorism, “the world is as you see it.” It’s like that. Learn to see the beauty and even luck in life and you see more beauty and luck.
This is not to say that we should ignore the very real challenges and difficult emotions we all experience as part of being human. It’s more like letting yourself experience what you experience like a sky experiences a storm, or the ocean experiences its waves. It’s PART of life. Such experiences are not the whole shebang of life. These storms give life contrast.
It’s more like meeting the experiences of day to day life with a welcoming attitude.
I think that there are some qualities that make welcoming and riding the storms of life with equanimity a bit more attainable. We can grow these qualities, imbuing our day to day experience with them. I’m talking about qualities such as acceptance, compassion, courage, appreciation …. join in any time here …. As we cultivate these qualities, I think we can cultivate greater peace.
Maybe these qualities make up the petals of a 4 leaf clover. Maybe they are the petals of luck.
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In September of 2007 I wrote visions for where I’d like to live, the house I’d like to live in and the quality of my work. When they were written my wife, Trudy, and I were considering moving to California or some other place. I blew out all the stops and envisioned the moon – all the things that would fulfill my desires – my wildest dreams. Well, I found those visions the other day and decided to use them as living documents to be updated from time to time. Here’s what’s interesting – we purchased a house in March of 2008. When I read the visions the other day I was astounded that our house has all but one of my dreamed up criteria!
Now, what about the other visions, place and work? Well, we didn’t move away, we stayed in Louisville. When I really think about it, my vision on the place is not really far off. If I really worked at it Louisville could be that place. I thought I had to go somewhere else to have all the things I want – the grass is always greener you know.
Now, about the work – that one has not come about like the others. I think it needs more attention – more clarity. I love the quote by Swami Chidvilasananda: “When we get clear about what we want; when the way is clear on the inside, everything else happens on the outside.” – I really think this is true. I need to do more contemplation and imagining about how this work life of mine can look and work.
Amazing the power of visioning and intentions. Perhaps this is an aspect making your own luck.
I agree, perhaps visioning and clarity of intention is one aspect of making your own luck. I also think that there’s a benefit to offering up the vision and intention, while releasing attachment to the result.
If you are always looking for the result, you might find yourself in the position of feeling discouraged and disappointed because your vision has not yet manifested.
I also think that visioning is a dynamic process…what you wanted, or thought you wanted, last year may not be in alignment with who you are today and what you are wanting to experience now. Some time ago, I recorded a “Life Creating Studio” visioning audio file. I’ll see if I can dig it out and post it if you’re interested.
Releasing attachment – Yes I think that’s a key component. Not only did I release it, I totally forgot about it! It reminds me of wanting to lose weight, setting goals and then stepping on the scales every morning – can be pretty discouraging. Almost like “a watched pot…” – you know the rest. How many times have you needed a parking place and just when you decide to move on or park somewhere else one comes open! Yes I would be interested in your “Life Creating Studio” if you can find it.
Regarding the dynamic aspect, are you saying you think it’s beneficial to revisit, check in and refine visions ongoing?
Also really enjoyed Hanna’s blog. Such a sweet relationship you two have.