"It is not possible
To control all external events But, if I simply control my mind, What need is there to control other things?" —Shantideva For me the positive aspect of social media is that I can see in what direction people's thoughts are generally going. Since this last election there appears to be a split in this country (and perhaps the world) where there is an "us" and "them" mentality. And regardless of your political affiliation we are living in a time of great change. Uncertainty can cause a great deal of stress and it is important that we choose loving behavior toward each other as our response. Please indulge me by letting me tell you a story; For nearly 20 years I worked in mortgage banking as an Underwriter. When I began my career as an Underwriter I was hired to do so not only because I have a naturally logical and analytical mind but also because I have a high standard of morals. I was raised to work hard for everything I wanted in my life and was taught the small-town mindset of lending a hand where needed. For me helping a couple buy their first home was the most enjoyable part of my job. And making sure I didn't put them in a financially precarious situation was paramount in my decision of approving their loan. I knew they deserved the chance to begin a life together earning and saving and planning for their future, most likely with children, braces, pets, college etc. What we used to refer to as "The American Dream". I will spare you the ugly details of the fraud and corruption I witnessed. Let's just say that there is a reason the floor fell from under the house of cards that was created. And my naive moral code and outlook on honesty took a real beating. I was depressed, angry, disappointed and disgusted in the greed that seemed to be in this and every other industry I considered as an alternative career. ~~~ When these difficult situations come up we have clear choices on the direction in which we decide how to approach our lives. In my case, using my years of study in Meditation - Buddhism - Reiki and Qigong, I created a meditation center where I could offer peaceful alternatives to the negativity in our society that can at times be overwhelming. I opened this center with the intention to teach positivity to help change the world, one person at a time. How do we find equanimity and balance in times of stress and uncertainty? By practicing peaceful teachings. Whether those are the peaceful teaching of Christ, or Buddha or Mohammad. Cultivating compassion, exercising patience, allowing what IS to simply exist without getting caught up in the emotional turbulence of others. By cultivating an equanimous mind, even the most irrational behaviors of others do not effect our well-being. "This is your world. Plant seeds of goodness and water them everywhere. Then blessings will grow for yourself and for all." ~Jack Kornfield *Joanie Lane is a Meditation Teacher, Reiki Master/Teacher, Spiritual & Life Coach, and Healing Movement Qigong Leader. She lives in Kelseyville, Ca. at her meditation center "A Positive Light". For more information visit her website at apositivelight.com **These are original writings by Joanie. Any quotes by others that have been included have been identified.
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