Most of us have been taught how to be a good guest at someone's house or event. We learned to tidy up after ourselves, to show appreciation, to be considerate, gracious, compassionate, patient and so on. In practicing these behaviors we show fellowship and respect to others. When we extend this practice to the world at large we show gratitude and respect to our planet and all sentient beings. In addition, we take care to be a good guest in our world by tidying up after ourselves, keeping our planet safe and healthy.
As we live, learn and grow on this planet we may find ourselves forgetting to take the same care with ourselves. When we make a conscious effort to become more aware of our thoughts we have the opportunity to make substantial positive changes in ourselves. This in turn provides us with more clarity, peace of mind and happiness. We become happier people when we become aware of the thoughts we think. Enjoying the positive thoughts and catching the negative banter, replacing it with positive thoughts of gratitude. When we keep our thoughts tidy and uncluttered we allow a simple change that can have an enormous effect on our outlook adding to our happiness. In practicing awareness of our manner of interacting in this world we can create deeper relationships in all our encounters during each day. In moment to moment awareness we may see where we can help our fellows; perhaps by simply holding a door open for someone. We might pick up discarded trash from the ground or even become more conscious of how often we drive our car simply for convenience when we might be able to walk or ride a bicycle to where we wish to go. The lessons, that we may have thought only to be used during a visit to someone's home or event, can be practiced daily toward ourselves and the world. In doing so the changes we make with this practice may seem small but the impact and repercussions of kindness, compassion, patience, appreciation, and gratitude have a powerful effect on our happiness and the world we are a guest in. Constantly regard the universe as one living being, having one substance and one soul; and observe how all things have reference to one perception, the perception of this one living being; and how all things act with one movement; and how all things are the cooperating causes of all things that exist; observe too the continuous spinning of the thread and the structure of the web. — Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, iv. 40 *Joanie Lane is director and teacher at "A Positive Light" meditation center. For more information on Joanie and the center visit www.apositivelight.com **These are original writings by Joanie. Any quotes by others have been identified.
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