Ain't got time for the pain today? Meditation for 1/16/14

2 shots today to make up for it not letting me post one yesterday.  Sunset on Kiawah, Sunrise on Folly

“And then the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”   Anais Nin

“Suffering has been stronger than all other teaching . . . I have been bent and broken, but…I hope into a better shape.”  - Charles Dickens

     Pain in life is mandatory.  It is what we do with the pain that determines whether we grow or wither, become bitter or become better.  But misery in life is optional.  Misery requires great mental distress and has but two sources – the past and the future.  It is brought on by resentment or fear – tormenting ourselves over the past or agonizing about the future.  Misery requires a self-centered mindset and it feeds upon victim mentality.  Misery cannot co-exist with acceptance, faith or presence in the moment.  Understanding this and practicing spiritual principles means we never again need be miserable.  But that leaves us pain.  What shall we do with pain?

     Pain means something is askew – and pain tires to lead our attention to what is wrong.  We feel physical, mental and emotional pain when something damaged or out of balance.  When we ignore pain the underlying condition worsens.  And if we numb pain while doing nothing about the cause not only does the condition worsens, but we also have the side effects of the numbing agent to contend with.  Numbing and ignoring pain in this way is simply one of the worst forms of procrastination – procrastination rooted in the fear of change.

    William Wilson said that pain is the barometer of growth – essentially that the two are “joined at the hip and growth cannot occur without it” C.S. Lewis said that “Pain is God’s megaphone – shouting to us to rouse us from our deafness.” John Keats said that pain is what transmutes an intelligence into a soul. 

     But whatever it is, pain brings us a choice.  We can detach from it and view it as an opportunity to grow or we can cling to it and use it as an opportunity to convince ourselves we are a victim.  What pains you today?  A relationship that is broken?  Fear of not being able to pay the bills?  An addiction that owns your soul?  Shame because you have convinced yourself you are inadequate?  Frustration because others won’t do what you want them to do?  What are you going to do about it?  Your chance to grow is here – as well as your chance to become embittered.  What will it be?  Thus is life – one small life-changing decision at a  time.

Today, may I choose growth. 

Have a great Friday !!  If you want to help me set up the foundation for brain research or help defray expenses, please CLICK HERE>.  If you are having trouble getting the meditation in your email, please email me at CaptureAmerica1@gmail.com.  Thanks all and have an awesome Thursday !!