Daily Meditations

February 1 Life is eternal and love is immortal and death is only a horizon. Life is eternal as we move into the light and the horizon is nothing but the limits of our sight. —Carly Simon If we look at life today from the perspective of the whole, we may see that while this period is very difficult, in the grand scheme of things it's manageable. Life goes on, love goes on. Change enters and reconfigures our lives but life still moves along and eventually becomes good again, and often becomes even better than we can imagine right now. It's important not to limit ourselves by thinking "I could never do this...or that!" The horizon is nothing but the limits of our sight. Keep all possibilities open. AFFIRMATION: Today I will become aware of how I limit myself. *** February 2 We only want that which is given naturally to all people of the world, to be masters of our own fate, only of our fate, not of others, and in cooperation and friendship with others. —Golda Meir In property agreements, it's important to think in terms of sharing what is available rather than fighting over what is yours, mine and ours. The more we struggle, particularly with lawyers involved, the fewer resources we have left. Whether we are in a relationship or not, we still want to be masters of our own fate while allowing others to be masters of theirs. If we can do this while maintaining important relationships, in cooperation and friendship with others, we will have fulfilling lives. When we are parents, it's important to maintain mutual respect for each other because we will be connected through our children forever. The tie as a couple has not been broken, only re-configured. AFFIRMATION: Today I will contemplate what it means to be the master of my own fate while being considerate of others. *** February 3 Both abundance and lack exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend. When we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present—love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature and personal pursuits that bring us pleasure–the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth. —Sarah Ban Breathnach We manifest what we give attention to. If we think about the quality of our lives as always being difficult and lacking, that's what we will continue to experience. If, instead, we think thoughts that reflect plenty, we will create abundance. Thought is very important and underestimated in its power. We undermine ourselves when we allow and encourage negative self-talk to rumble around in our minds. The type of thoughts we entertain is our choice—we can stay with the negative or literally direct our minds toward the positive. For example, rather than thinking "I'll never have enough money after this divorce!" think instead "There's plenty to go around and I'll be fine." Not only will you feel better immediately, but you'll be creating a different reality for the future. AFFIRMATION: Today I will monitor my thinking to catch my negative thought processes and attempt to find a positive aspect to all the situations I encounter. *** February 4 Between stimulus and response, man has the freedom to choose. —Viktor Frankl When we are upset and agitated we commonly react too quickly. This statement reveals the importance of thinking before responding. Regardless of how we are provoked, we are responsible for our choices, and we will have to answer for them. Learn to take a deep breath and think before reacting. There will be enough to apologize for while moving through separation or divorce, without adding to the list. AFFIRMATION: Today I will pause to take a few deep breaths before reacting to negative stimulus. I will choose my reaction wisely. *** February 5 This is a day of stillness and peace. —A Course in Miracles We owe ourselves a day of stillness and peace every so often. During a difficult transition there is so much going on around and within us, we need an occasional day to assimilate what is happening. It's important to take time to rest, to be still, to go on some kind of retreat away from home. If that's not possible, take time for private reflection. AFFIRMATION: Today I will decide on how I can nurture myself during this difficult transition, realizing that as I do that, I create peace around me. *** February 6 In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity. —Albert Einstein Almost always, difficulty provides opportunity for growth and expansion. We may understand for the first time what it's like for others to be in pain, so our ability to empathize grows. Maybe we are forced to reach out to others and admit we need help, which is never easy. New friends may be made as we are pressured out of our old ways. The need for more money may push us into a different, more satisfying career. The difference between difficulty and opportunity lies in our ability to remain conscious and alert to a new life on the horizon. Let's move in that direction rather than hold on to what is already gone. AFFIRMATION: Today I will remain alert to the opportunity that lies within difficulty and begin to see each day as a blessing.