Welcome to active meditation.
To explore mindfulness,
We need to focus our attention by sorting through our usual mixture of thoughts and feelings that swirl around in us.
We need to appreciate that while our attention wanders from memories about key events to people and things,
From past to present to future,
From our fears or anger or discouragement about them,
There is something in us that remains about the same,
That seems to hover above these negative feelings.
This is our ability to observe what happens to us,
How we feel,
What we think,
And what all of it seems to mean.
It is important to appreciate that while all of this is happening,
Something deep within us remains unchanged,
Stable,
Acting as the part that watches what is happening,
Able to interpret what is happening,
Able to direct our thoughts and feelings when we want to,
Able to use our intelligence and kindness to be helpful,
To soothe others,
To console ourselves,
To take charge of ourselves and what we say and do.
Let us be mindful of the part of our self that already knows how to be calm and orderly in our mood and thinking.
These qualities already exist in our higher self.
We have often been able to be relaxed and peaceful,
To think clearly,
To be confident,
To know exactly what to do next.
The wise part of our self knows how to take charge of our feelings and our situation.
These are the qualities and skills of our higher self.
They are the mature resources and strengths we have available to us.
We have expressed them previously and can do so again.
Our higher self is our friend at all times and is available at all times.
We can expect to use these forces whenever we need them.
While there are times when we become discouraged,
We never have to remain in this state because we have the ability to apply our wits,
Our creativity and our courage to push through dark moods.
Even though we may feel depressed,
We still have the skills and the knowledge to do many worthwhile things every day.
Although we may encounter many irritating people or other challenges in our day,
We need not allow them to take away our confidence or joy.
For we have the power to think for our self,
To set our own boundaries,
To establish our mood and determine how well we will enjoy our day.
It is our right hand duty to control how much our automatic reactions of discouragement will control our attitudes and thoughts.
We have the power to determine how we will engage every circumstance and event.
And we can apply our full intelligence,
Skills and strength each time.
Even though we might become discouraged,
We always have enough confidence and knowledge to do and say whatever must be done.
Our ability to think clearly and expect good results enables us to override discouragement so we can honor our commitments and be a positive influence for our self and others.
Our higher self will always support us when we need an extra boost and enable us to make each day productive and fulfilling.
Expect this and know that we can take charge of how we see our world and do well even when we do not feel our best.
Let's make our motto this.
Although I may feel depressed occasionally,
I always have the power to do many worthwhile things because I can,
Because I want to,
And because my higher self will help me.
This is how it will be.
