We Can Choose Our Reactions (With Practice)

I was in stopped traffic on the highway on my way home a few days ago, getting irritated that it took longer than normal.  I looked around to see all of the vehicles filled with people going somewhere.  What if that moment was about releasing control?  If nothing else, it lowered my stress level to know my irritation wouldn't get me home faster.

What if we were in line for groceries and there was a person counting out change in front of us?  The situation gives us the choice to get angry with him or her for our inconvenience, have empathy for him or her, or give the person a few dollars to help a stranger out without the need for a reward or recognition...

Road rage and the inability to control one's temper is a whole other issue, of course.  And we can't help someone with a donation when we don't have enough for ourselves.  Regardless of our choices, knowing we are in a place where we have a dependable car to make it through the traffic jam is a blessing.  Knowing we have enough money not to panic about the total at the check out is a blessing.

I don't believe life is supposed to be filled with difficult lessons to make us better people or to build character.  However, I do believe we can look for a reason to bring tolerance and empathy to almost any situation.  Having tolerance for a stranger is one of the most positive gifts we can bring to the world.  Releasing the internal struggle for control in moments where we don't have control gives us a chance to find peace.

When I was a little girl, I believed adults were perfect humans who didn't make mistakes.  We all know that isn't true.  I am not perfect, he is not perfect, she is not perfect, and that's the way it is supposed to be in our Earth School.  We are all learning and growing, hopefully for the better.  We all react in ways we later regret, but hopefully learn from those events.  Learn, grow, make amends and move forward.

Being perfect isn't my goal, but doing my best, learning from my mistakes and having empathy for others doing their best is one of my goals.  We are all in this together.  If you have trouble keeping your cool in stressful situations, there are breathing techniques that can help with that.  Check out Dr. Andrew Weil's work for more info.....http://tinyurl.com/nj7genb

Have a great day!

xo
Conni