THE VISION

 
The social climate in the US is scorching. People are rightfully passionate, and even angry. Some of us have taken to the streets, while others are putting their minds together on social media and in meeting rooms to strategize the next steps in the struggle.  The important discussion to have with ourselves and with each other is, if what is happening in our society is what I do not want, then what do I want to see in its place?


We get so caught up reacting to what it is that we do not want, that we give little or no energy to thinking about what it is we really want to experience.  If we do not do the work of planning to successfully change injustice with what we need, then we should expect very little to no change.  Besides, investing precious energy and time in solutions is much more productive than complaining or becoming a victim.


Can we allow ourselves to see the reality we want and free ourselves from the paralyzing images played out on the television? Some people find it difficult to entertain the thoughts and mental images they truly desire; they even resist.  We are so comfortable saying what we do not want or do not like, but sometimes articulating what we want or receiving what we want can be challenging.  When we see situations that we do not like or experience feelings that make us feel uncomfortable, our first reaction has to be to immediately hold the image in our minds of what it is we want.


The vision I have is:
    • a world where ALL people are treated with respect and dignity
    • a world where EVERY child grows up feeling loved and protected
    • a world where women and elders are valued
    • a world where the greatest conflict we witness are people’s personal struggles to free themselves of  mental and spiritual bondage

I don’t want to use the word daydream, but I encourage the imagining and the visioning that allows our minds to create what may not be in front of us.  We cannot afford to remain locked in the nightmare created by megalomaniacs who program us through broadcast television and cable/satellite shows.  The world’s greatest natural resource is our minds.  No one person can lead us to the promised land.  We individually and collectively have to have a vision that begins when we hold the thought and image in our minds.

I believe in you.  I believe in the infinite potential of the majority of people in this world who desire peace.


FORGIVENESS



I took some time off, not from the vision, but the blog.  At first I beat myself up about it.  Then I realized that, although I deserved it, being hyper critical of myself in the situation was not going to illicit the kind of results I need right now.   The break was a necessary part of the process.  I struggle with the discipline of consistency. I forgive myself and move on, vowing to not repeat the cycle.
 
 
Some perceived setbacks are necessary incubating periods. Even to me that sounds like a crock of fooey.  As disappointing as it is to lose momentum and be inconsistent, there is only so much time I can spend beating myself up about it before I have to decide to move forward.  In the process, I chose to love myself through the experience.
 
 
With a military dad and a mother who had a military dad, the consequences of not meeting standards always involved a certain amount of yelling and punitive actions.  Throughout my adult life, I have played and replayed those admonishing voices in my head.  No one has ever been more critical of me than myself thanks to mom and dad.  However, I appreciate the distance it has brought me in life, but I recognize that this inner process is outmoded and needs to be adjusted.
 
That eight year-old in me, the one that works so hard to do things right and please those around me, needs to be motivated differently.  When I do not meet my expectations, I will encourage myself to stand up straight and try again.  I will smile at that little girl who bows her head in disappointment of failure and engulf her in love and acceptance.  Finally, what I have learned is that perfect execution is not necessarily the goal, it is the effort and the intention of NEVER bowing to defeat which is the ultimate achievement. Winning, being first, having success the way others experience it may not be my process.  I will keep trying in the way that I know how.  I am sure I will eventually make it to the model of success that is tailor-made for me.  I thought it would happen sooner in my life, yet I get the feeling that I am learning so much more from this journey that I have chosen.  My mantra is “As long as I’m living, I’m going to keep working toward the vision.”


I forgive myself for not working harder, for lying down in defeat, for feeling sorry for myself and for being lazy.  I do not excuse it. I recognize it and choose this moment to do something about it.  And so it is.