Consider the following: I have the tools to re-define the reality of my life when I use them.

I was thinking the other day that I would very much like to feel like I am making progress in all the directions I wish to go. I was hoping to reframe my perceptions and feel good enough to feel like I was making headway. Very often that is as far as it goes, and I remain locked into old thinking loops. Sure sometimes I am doing better than I’m feeling but real progress at a rate I would like takes getting to some positive emotion like excitement or anticipation. Regular meditation is one of my life practices. I often join my wife on a zoom Transcendental Meditation call that began during Covid. The opening before the meditation includes interesting things that often speak to the genius of nature. After the meditation an inspirational thought or a poem. On this occasion I got exactly what I needed.

Our True Heritage
Each moment you are alive is a gem,
shining through and containing earth and sky,
water and clouds.

It needs you to breathe gently
for the miracles to be displayed.
Suddenly you hear the birds singing,
the pines chanting, see the flowers blooming,
the blue sky,
the white clouds,
the smile and the marvelous look
of your beloved.

You, the richest person on Earth,
who have been going around begging for a living,
stop being the destitute child.
Come back and claim your heritage.
We should enjoy our happiness
and offer it to everyone.
Cherish this very moment.
Let go of the stream of distress
and embrace life fully in your arms.
~ Thich Nhat Hanh

This quote reminded me that what I seek is actually there all the time I need to remember to keep thoughts like that forefront in my mind. All I really need is to be persistently aware.

–Chris Wheeler