“Organisms do not experience environments, they create them.”

From A Simpler Way, by Margaret Wheatley

Walking around my neighborhood I am struck by the beauty of the day – forsythia, tulips and daffodils, bright sun, cool spring breeze – and the freedom and privilege I have to walk in a healthy body, through a friendly neighborhood. I think about how much I take for granted, and how easy it is to feel centered and content when life is easy, flowing, and conflict free.

So how do I walk my talk, change my attitude, adjust my goals, and reinvent my life even when I don’t feel like it? I kept thinking: You can do this, this is great, exactly what you look for – ideal opportunities to practice . . . center, breathe, laugh. Sure, it’s easy to be centered when things are going your way. This is the perfect day to practice – when they aren’t.

Pity parties are fun sometimes. I can enjoy getting together by zoom meetings or in person with special friends. We dress up in our attitudes and complain about this event or that person, how much work there is to do and how little time. We laugh at ourselves in the midst of our complaining.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama said, “If you don’t like what’s happening in your life, change your mind.” How do you like what’s happening in your life at the moment? I realize it may be a lot more challenging than winter weather in May. Still, gently experiment with changing your relationship to life events, and see what happens.

When I am willing and able to do this, to change my mind, everything changes. It begins by noticing my self-awareness.
I’m upset. Okay – Upset Energy. How can I use it in a way that’s in line with my values and vision?
I take charge of it, before it takes charge of me.
I begin to travel a path of power and presence, instead of a path of reactivity and regret.

As I place that bit of padding between my reaction and my response, I reclaim my power. I reconnect with what is really important. Why am I here? What do I want to contribute to this workspace, this family unit, this relationship? What are my hopes for this conversation? How will I impact this meeting?

More sunny days and uplifting moments are on the horizon. But whatever the external or internal weather conditions, I am protected by an inner spring of insight that is always awake, aware, and available to be turned on at any moment. And I remember all that I have to be grateful for, including the privilege of having unsettling emotions.

How are you inventing your life today, this moment? Is life a struggle, or does it flow? It’s possible that the answers are really up to you.