Serenity

I like the Serenity prayer. In case you aren't familiar, here it is:

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

It's very simple and profound.

Lately, I've been concentrating on being serene, and so, of course, much drama has been presenting itself, so I can see just how serene I am not. I will say, that I am more peaceful, less stressed than I think I would have been in the past. Before, I would worry myself sick, now I just get a little nauseous.

But seriously, I've learned to have peace by being peaceful, so when the drama appears I can label it as such and step around it, or enjoy the play. Well, admittedly, I am a dramatic person. I don't shy from the limelight. And I don't like to be bored. But, sometimes, it's enough already. I want to be alone.

I'm glad I learned to go to the still place in my heart when I feel the need for quietude. It may only take a second, but it often takes me a while in the worry or fear or anger or hurt before I remember I have the power of peace available to me, anytime. All I ever have to do is close my eyes, take a few deep breaths and, soon, I'm calm. Yeehaw! It's so nice, I wonder why I like to spend any time at all being agitated.

Perhaps it's an old habit I'm finding the courage to change. (more on that next time!)


Yours,

D


P.S. Yeah, it's that simple.

2 b hapi b hapi

Short version...

Let's say you have an issue about which you are angry. You have exhausted all fantasies of revenge for various reasons of conscience and legality and are, therefore, left with becoming a hermit or jumping from a bridge (or some other tenable form of self-destruction) but feel these choices are a bit extreme. Well, other folks seem to survive lesser hardships of mind and body.

And, you've heard that no one makes you angry, so you logically deduce that if you make yourself angry (I do it less now that I can admit it to myself) you can make yourself happy. So, call it joy, serenity, peace of mind, ecstasy, transcendence, or whatever you desire, but focus on it. Perhaps you'll want to sit up straight and take a deep breath at this point. Then just imagine the last time you felt joy, and if, god forbid, you can't recall a specific situation wherein you experienced the elected emotion, imagine what it would feel like.

Next thing you know, you're thinking pleasant thoughts and the heat of anger leaves your frontal lobe and tranquility prevails. Good job. You're probably pretty pleased and maybe a smidge surprised that it was so simple. I know I was surprised to find I could do this anytime, anywhere and, in fact, had been the one governing my state of mind all along.

Oops. You mean, I've spent a lot of time being unnecessarily angry? Good thing it's just a ride. Now, I can enjoy the rest of it. I hope you join me in my enjoyment.


Yours,

D


P.S. Besides, we're both way more fun to be around when we're happy. It's win-win.