The Cure for Anything

There are two core fears: losing what you have, and not getting what you want. There is one solution: Falling in love with where you are…”
Jeff Foster

I have a huge struggle with this idea. The falling in love with where you are. It feels too complacent, too much like settling. Yet, I know it is a key factor in happiness. I guess like most things in life, it comes down to balance. I have been working on a simple practice for whenever I feel stress, frustration, worry, and all the other detrimental mindsets that bring upset into my life.

• Focus, carefully, on what you’re feeling. Don’t numb it with distractions, but instead bring it further into your awareness.
• Turn to it, and welcome it. Give what you feel your full, thoughtful attention.
• Notice the feeling in your body. Where is the feeling situated, and what unique qualities does it have?
• Notice the tension in your body, and also in your mind, that arises from this feeling.
• Try relaxing the tense parts of your body. Then relax the tense parts of your mind. Focus on your breath: Close your eyes, breathe in and feel it, breathe out and feel it, again and again, until you feel more relaxed.
• In this more relaxed state, find some quiet space within yourself.
• Allow yourself to rediscover the fundamental goodness within you, that’s present in every moment.
• Allow yourself to rediscover the fundamental goodness of this very moment; it is always available to you whenever you’re willing to focus on it.

Mantras that help me to refocus my attention in a positive direction:

• Needless drama doesn’t just walk into your life out of nowhere – you either create it, invite it, or associate with those who bring it.
• Do your best not to judge other people, for you do not know their pain or sorrows. If you cannot speak a kind word, say nothing at all. And if they cannot speak a kind word, say nothing at all.
• Most people make themselves unhappy simply by finding it impossible to accept life just as it is presenting itself right now. Be mindful.
• When you are no longer able to change a situation, you are challenged to change yourself. And that changes everything.
• Don’t bother worrying about whether there will be problems. There will be plenty of them, and you’ll work your way through every one of them.
• Worrying is a misuse of your incredible creative energy. Instead of imagining the worst, imagine the best and how you can bring it about.
• When you focus your heart and mind upon a purpose, and commit yourself to fulfill that purpose through small daily steps, positive energy floods into your life.
• It’s okay to make mistakes. That’s how you get wiser. Give yourself a break, and don’t give up or give in to negativity! Good things take time, and you’re getting there.
• Remember, letting go of drama isn’t about having the ability to forget the past; it’s about having the wisdom and strength to embrace the present.