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New Beginnings – what an apt subject for this time of the year – not only because most of us have been making New Year resolutions but here in America this is so much more significant. Based upon the presidential election results, there potentially may be a new chapter filled with ghosts from a dark past arising for millions of America’s people.
I voted for the other candidate – the one who lost the electoral vote but won the popular vote. I hope this will not preclude you from reading on if your choice was someone else because what also became crystal clear to me was a new beginning in a way I had really not imagined before. What I am about to relate might well be a practical tool for your tool chest too.
Many of my close friends are pretty bummed by this result. Some saddened, others angry, still others afraid – or perhaps all three emotions bubbling up to the surface of their lives. There is a “call to action” being trumpeted – to get involved in an active way that will hopefully change what many feel will be a dreadful, ongoing existence in this country – at least for the next four years.
Because I was a child of the 60’s, there was a part of me that was ready to march again but some small voice inside my head asked me to stop for a moment and reflect. The reflection was concerning the confusion regarding the nature of “action” itself. I had always equated action – to outward types of behavior – marching, calling my congressman, sit-ins, etc. I had given very little thought in those early days to internal action – the inward yin to the outward yang.
Now that I am older and more experienced and also have the knowledge of several very impressive studies about what contemplating specific actions can actually accomplish, I wanted to share the power of the yin – the internal processes we have at our disposal that are, in my opinion, as strong if not stronger than direct outward action.
From an indigenous point of view – I like the Hawaiian one because their tradition is one of adventurer not warrior – beginning to take the time to center and imagine the world in which you want to live is a very powerful tool – especially if you make a habit of cultivating the practice.
The trick is to stay in the lane of what you want – not what you don’t want. You have all heard the expression that you get what you focus on and it is really true. What you push against pushes back. So focusing on the negative just gets more negative. Focusing on what you would like to see happen reaps positive benefits if you stay centered. Then, if you wish to take loving steps while holding a loving attitude in the outer world, your benefits will increase exponentially.
So, my friends, I urge you to find a way to nurture quiet time in your life to envision the change in you and the world you wish to create. May it be so – Ashay and Amen
ldisbell@aol.com / www.NewDirectionsForHealing.com / (256) 764-1153
Linda was raised in the Midwest, graduated from Saint Louis University and hired into a corporate position with Reynolds Aluminum. She met, married and traveled with her husband for a number of years before moving back to his home place – The Shoals in Alabama. There Linda was introduced to life coaching and took to it like “duck to water”. Her empathetic nature coupled with a desire to help people help themselves; led her to and through a number of certifications, in different modalities. Linda currently practices as a Wellness Coach plying her trade in Florence, Alabama.
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