Creating Daily Joy

Being human is hard. Let’s face it. No one really knows what to do. We all just do our best. And when we find something that gives life more meaning, love and joy, we have the ability to choose to do more of whatever that is. We have free will.

In addition to free will, we also come equipped with automatic, hardwired worrying capacity. And if you are like me, this was set on “go full blast” since very early childhood.

I have naturally always looked for the hidden or not so hidden dangers/threats, and ONLY after that is accounted for, then I MAY find some space for feeling relief and the good stuff. Not a great system!

But lately, something is shifting for me. I am experimenting with conscious deliberate focus on the myriad of “little” things that give me relief/joy/pleasure/comfort/fun/inspiration throughout my day.

I think that I have always felt that the “fun” stuff was a sort of reward for dealing with the crap…and only if there was room for it. I now know this is backwards thinking.

Now, I believe that I can be better at what I do, in every way, when my main focus is not on the future, and getting ahead, and forcing my way through the things that do not give me joy. My life opens up in unexpected ways when the majority of my focus is on my joy.

Joy is different for all of us. What I may find joyful, others may find silly or boring. Who cares?!?! What I have come to realize, again and again, is that comparing myself to anyone else is emotionally damaging and only leads to more worry…and therefore, less joy.

When I focus on the quest for more and more, I am left with less and less energy and motivation. However, when I focus on the little, “freelicious”, simple things in my life, I am reenergized and inspired. I become increasingly satisfied with “enough” as opposed to “more”.

This all really boils down to living in a more constant state of appreciation. When you can appreciate what you have, you open up to more possibilities and magic.

And ultimately, you just feel better.

For those that want to kick it up another notch, share your appreciation for others out loud. Our lovely landlord always manages to let us know that he appreciates us, and I let him know how much we appreciate him. It raises the vibration and feels wonderful. It is amazingly refreshing to hear, out loud, when others appreciate us. I think too many of us assume that they know how we feel, but you know what they say about assuming!

I will end this thought with saying that I appreciate you for taking the time to read this and consider this idea.

Everything is a Mirror

by Colleen McCann | News

Everything and everyone is a mirror for each of us. I truly believe this and find it to be liberating. You may wonder how seeing the atrocities of our planet could be helpful in any way on a personal growth level. Well, if we interpret something as bad or ugly or unfair, etc., it is really an invitation to see what it is triggering in ourselves.

You may be saying “Huh? How so?”

I’m glad you asked! Whenever we have a symptom of any kind, it is an opportunity for healing, growth and expansion. And being affected by something unpleasant that you observe could fall into this category as well.

“I still don’t get it, Colleen. Could you be more specific?”

Ok, ok…keep your pants on. I’m getting there. Sheesh!

For example: This morning, the day after the election, I woke up several times in a panic regarding the loss of Proposition 37. This is the one about labeling foods that contain GMOs. I felt like I was trapped in a country of complete idiots in which major decisions regarding our health and rights as humans are being determined by the least awake people, who, as far as I can tell, are the vast majority of our population. This was frightening to me on a very deep level. And when I needed to get up and start my day, I felt almost paralyzed.

Now, I have a pretty big “tool bag” of ways to deal with upset, but felt this so deeply that I couldn’t see it clearly for a while. But finally I asked myself…what is the lesson here? How is this a mirror for me?

I realized that it triggered energy in me of feeling hopeless…and helpless…and tremendous anger. I lost my power. What I mean by this is that this is not only about this election loss. These old feelings were simply triggered by this unpleasant, unwanted outcome. This is old emotional energy that is trapped in my being that is revealing itself because of this trigger. And this is my opportunity to look at these old feelings and release them from my body.

We, in each of our bodies, are microcosms of what is happening in the world. In other words, what is happening in me is being projected out into the world. Or, what is happening in the world is being reflected back to me…and to you.

“But Colleen, you must be mistaken. I’m not at war. I am not starving. I am not torturing the innocent. I do yoga for God’s sake!”

Ok…but how are you at war with yourself? Are you kind to yourself and your “imperfections”? Are you completely at peace with your family and community? Are you starving for something you desperately need, such as love, self acceptance, really being seen for who you are in all of your glory? Are you not torturing yourself about something from your past?

It is all inside us.

I find myself so enraged about this proposition not passing because I feel that it will possibly allow more poisons to enter my body through my food source. But I need to ask myself…how am I allowing this already? I’ll admit, I am not pristine about taking care of myself at all times. I sometime make the conscious choice to dishonor my body by putting crap into it.

As Gandhi said…”Be the change you wish to see in the world.” These are simple, yet profound, words. If I want to see more peace, I need to find it in myself. If I want to see more love, I need to find it in myself. Healing the world is really an inside job and is the responsibility of each and every one of us. If we leave this to our government…um….I’m not even going to finish that sentence. It is up to us. Personal responsibility.

When you start to see your part in everything, you can do something about it and shift it in yourself. If you spend your life blaming everyone else and take no responsibility, you will remain unhappy and powerless.

So, back to me…after reminding myself of this, I feel lighter and much more at peace about this proposition not passing. I’m not saying I give up on the issue; I’m just saying that I can see the beauty in it, as well, regarding my personal growth and healing. I can now consider this from a place of power and clarity rather that utter despair and hopelessness. Ah….

My challenge to you is to observe and consider what the world is reflecting back to you. Can you take responsibility for your part in it? I hope so, not only for your own healing and well being, but for the benefit of all of us.