When life does not unfold the way you expect… and there are many situations like this, where the harder you try or the faster you act, the worse things get. What can you do to shift the flow of things and change your life?
One of the most important principles I have learnt in my lifetime is that ‘Life Mirrors Your Beliefs’.
We are all the product of what is within us. If, for example, you develop the belief that others are out to cheat, then you will find a lot of people who fill that role perfectly, and victimising situations strangely drawn to you.
This is not to say that the world does not have people who intentionally deceive, or that you should not be wary, but if the fear of deception becomes your main focus, then that is all you will find. The intense focus blinds you to those who are honest, generous, and just.
Beliefs colour our perceptions, such that even the cutest, kindest animal can seem to be a venomous beast.
The reverse is also true.
What is important is that you clear your mind to be free of beliefs which cloud your perceptions, such that you can achieve clear sensing to get the most objective impressions of people and situations.
This alone, can already shift the course of your life.
Many of us are not aware of the thoughts which flash by in our minds. The culmination of these split second assumptions and judgments, subtly shift our moods and conjure emotional storms that cause us to act in destructive and detrimental ways.
That is why I always say: The better a person you are, the better your life shall unfold.
Sometimes, people challenge me on this and cite examples of those who are dishonourable, selfish, and greedy, who seem to have all the wealth, power, and fame.
I say yes, they are right. There are people who use an underhanded approach to quickly achieve wealth, power, fame, and pleasure. Yet, there are people who achieve equivalent results using honourable, generous, and fair principles.
The difference is in which way allows you to get a good night’s sleep.
Let us examine the question of quality of life for a moment….
Is a good life defined just by money, luxury, status, and the satisfaction of our desires?
Or could peace of mind, family harmony, friendly neighbours, and a sense of meaningful existence, contribute to your happiness?
Even though one road is faster… at the end of life, the the ultimate question is still:
“Achievement and luxury aside, are you happy with who you have become?”
And I do not mean ‘who’ as in status or reputation, like:
“So-and-so is a Powerful Leader.” — Who’s Who
“Revolutionary Brilliance.” — TIME
These are achievements.
What I mean by ‘who’, is the measure of your character, which requires the transformation of your heart.
The most difficult situations in our lives that we are stuck with, cannot be broken through with a simple change of strategy or the latest tactic.
These are tools of the mind. The best tools, wielded inappropriately, would become a weapon, and instead of building something worthwhile, would lead to destructive results.
What you need are not new tools or techniques, but a different way of using them.
And the difference here, is in your heart — not in your intelligence, but in your wisdom.
Wisdom comes from the heart. It is what you choose to do with all that you know; the alignment of your actions — what is your effect on the world?
When it is finally time to go, what have you left behind through your life on Earth? Will the world be any better for your friends, your family, your children?
Or have you unknowingly made it harder for them to carry on?
Life is a transformation of character.
You could just be doing an ordinary job, leading a simple, routine life. Yet, you are in the same boat as the most extravagant millionaire.
You are on the Life Boat… and on this journey, the destination is not as important as how you choose to get there.
The path you choose is a reflection of who you are. And in God’s eyes, that is all that matters.
