We live in troubled times. Life is uncertain. There is social unrest and protest. Order has been disrupted. We say, “this must stop.” We cry, “no more.’ We don’t know what to do. We don’t know who to trust and what to believe. In order to create peace in the outside world, we must first seek peace within. When we approach life with a compassionate heart, we are able to find solace within the storm.
Sometimes you are at odds with a loved one; upset with mother, frustrated with child, angry at spouse. You feel judged or offended. You are hurt or sad. And perhaps you deserve to feel that way! But most of all, you deserve to feel happy. When you are feeling negative emotions directed towards another, you suffer the consequences. When you are feeling anger or resentment towards someone, they do not feel it. They don’t suffer at all. But you do! Your negative emotions create suffering. Your body suffers. You may feel short of breath or sick to your stomach as you think the angry thoughts. You may feel ache in your heart and a suffocating feeling in your chest as you consider the wrongs that have been done to you. During the political campaign season, emotions are heightened and you may feel overwhelmed by negativity!
I invite you to stop hurting yourself by expressing negative emotions. And I invite you to start loving yourself by expressing positive emotions. You may find that in that positive expression, there is healing. Healing can take place when we make that choice. Healing is not nearly as complex, difficult and mystical as we’ve been taught to believe. Healing doesn’t require outside help, prescription drugs or a doctor’s advice. Healing begins with an intention to change. It’s an inside job.
James Taylor, singer and songwriter advises us when he says, “Oh, father and mother, sister and brother, if it feels nice, don’t think twice. Just shower the people you love with love, show them the way that you feel. Things are gonna work out fine if you only will do as I say. Just shower the people you love with love, show them the way you feel. Things are gonna be much better if you only will.”
Words of love are words of healing. The words give us strength when we speak them; and give others strength when they are heard. We smile. A kind word costs nothing and is worth so much. It takes just a moment to speak, but it creates a timeless echo within the heart. Reach out to those around you. Pay attention to others. We are all a reflection of one another. We all want the best for those we love. Tell them. Show them. It will feel nice. Everyone will benefit. It begins with you. It’s a choice you make to be the light you want to shine in the world. There is no black and white. There is only darkness and light.