I caught myself reminiscing on the past this morning, on the London life. I miss the experiences, the adventures, the people and most of all the version of myself that was free and authentic. It’s easy to wish for a life that we don’t have, particularly when you’re stuck in lockdown with a world of uncertainty around you; falling into the rabbit hole of wishing for a life that is other than the one you are gifted now.
Human desire is to relieve oneself from the hardship that we experience, but the act of doing so itself is rather torturous because robs you of the present moment. As you evolve through your Soul Journey you start to recognise and appreciate that the path of least resistance is often the path that requires you to relax and let go. I was reminded of this again listening to podcasts from Michael Singer, the teaching of how important it is to relax and let go when you find yourself faced with the chaotic mind that is making up all sorts of stories, feelings and experiences.
So, as I sit here reflecting on a past that has come and gone and worrying about a future that I have no control over, I can’t help but wonder what blessings I’m missing in the present moment. So I come back to the moment in front of me and I see that there isn’t much that I would change. I am exactly where I need to be in this moment and I have the perspective to appreciate the blessings small and big that have been gifted to me. Oh how I tend to forget that in every moment we have everything we need.
The sheer fact that I have woken up this morning is a blessing, the clothes that are keeping me comfortable, the shelter that I have to protect me, the ability to read and write, the technology that I can utilise to stay connected with others, the food that I have to nourish my body etc. These are all daily blessings that in a developed world in particular we can easily become blind to.
I don’t want to be blind to the blessings that I have, although by societies standards I don’t live a privileged life it would be incredibly naive of me to think that I am not privileged. Being privileged is not about being ultra wealthy, having yachts, mansions and branded clothes, it’s about being fortunate enough to have an education and access to basic needs such as shelter, food and health which is denied to millions if not billions who don’t even have access to the basics.
The injustice is real, becoming forgetful of the blessings that is in front of us is wasting the opportunities gifted to us. Once you can truly appreciate your own blessings, you will have an expansive heart that wants to share it broadly and enable it for more and more people. Coming back to the present and practicing gratitude is an important spiritual journey. It won’t always be easy but it’s necessary if you want to be free from the narratives that are robbing you of joy. Fill your mind with beauty and joy, the worries and fears never result in anything good.
Love Always,
M
Souloom™ 