I often find myself noticing the things that I want or wish
to change and not paying enough grateful attention to what I have. I gather I’m not alone in that fairly common
human condition.
On one level, it is these ‘wanting’ and ‘unsatisfactory-ness’
tendencies of the mind that foster creativity.
We ‘want’ to grow – have a more comfortable, prosperous life – become more
informed and knowledgeable – build wonderful things. We’re ‘unsatisfied’ with the status quo and
strive to improve things and make happier more balanced lives for ourselves and
others. Without creativity, human kind
wouldn’t have achieved the most amazing feats it has. We’re an incredible species full of ambitions
and curiosity to explore, build and create our dreams!
However, we all too often use these tendencies to foster
jealousy, greed, envy, anger, relentless competition and negativity. Which then brings unhappiness despite the seed
motive of the wanting and unsatisfied mind is the desire for happiness. Every single being, at its core, desires to
be happy. It is an expression of our
True Self.
The problem is when we rest in the wanting and unsatisfied
mind, we are often ungrateful for the present and the ‘what IS’. So that even when we get what we want, we
have fleeting happiness before we realize that we want something else. It’s like a dog chasing its tail; even when
he gets it, he can’t keep a hold of it and before long, he’s chasing it again.
An alternative is to express our gratitude for all life’s
gifts. When this becomes a habit, we
begin to feel more genuine happiness that doesn’t rest on conditions. We may still create and pursue change but it’ll
be from a base of happiness, we will make our sincerest efforts and be happy no
matter the outcome. The passion and
enjoyment of life will be purer.
We will recognize every ‘given’ moment as a gift. Our life is a sequence of given moments that
are the most precious of all gifts. No
one can take away the moments in our lives.
While we are experiencing the moments, we are alive! Learn to be grateful for that extraordinary
gift, to look around and see the wonder of the blue sky, the rain, the trees,
the buildings humans have learned to construct, the adorable fluffy animals,
the breath!
The theme of Ashtanga Yoga Paris’ 13-year anniversary was “The
Celebration of Gratitude”. We are forever
grateful to all those who have been part of this path!
Thank you!
Linda & Gerald