Storm Clouds Building
Every thought leads to the next thought. Gregge Tiffen (Open Secrets: An Air of Optimism – May, 2011)
I could have a zillion thoughts about writing my weekly post this late in day. Most would be gunk or guilt, leading to the next critical thought. Some might even be accurate. Today, the choices I made early in the day, coupled with a mid-day webinar put a different rhythm on the day than most Thursdays. I deem it an experiment. And, I learned that the commitment that I’ve honored for 194 weeks now - to write the blog first before any other business – is a good practice and one to continue. That’s especially true if I want to maintain the flow and ease and joy that each week’s writing brings. Perhaps that’s a story for another time.
This day though, I want to highlight what I’ve recently observed about my thoughts.
Most of us know – or at least we think we know – just how powerful our thoughts are. Rarely do I maintain consistency in keeping my thoughts on the high plane that honors that power.
That said, I consider myself to be an optimistic person. I can sense, if not clearly see, the ‘silver lining’ in most any dark cloud. It sometimes takes a while to shine the light there, but somewhere deep inside I know it’s there – whether or not I’m aware enough to search. I trust that the Universe is unfolding as it should, as it must. I trust that events unfold as opportunities for us to experiment with and to learn from.
I’ve noticed that these beliefs are easier to call upon when the darkest clouds are gathering into a big storm, the kind that wakes you up and rocks your world. And, I’ve noticed in the midst of daily ‘to-dos’ (I can’t bring myself to call them tasks or chores – ugh!) that I can suddenly find myself in a thought stream of worry and negativity. The ‘monkey mind’ of racing thoughts has no clear cause but will spread like wildfire if I don’t snuff them out.
Having experienced that monkey mind a bit more than I’d like to admit recently, I began wondering Where does it come from? What is the cause? Is there a negative streak inside that wants attention, and, hopefully, to be set free?
I’ll let you know what I discover. Meanwhile, I’d love to hear your experience with the dark clouds of ‘monkey mind’.
P.S. Apologies to the haplorhine primates around the globe – how dare we humans saddle you with our silliness.
Yes. Snow & Rain. May 10, 2017
And a beautiful white blanket when the new day dawns.