08.23.07
The Time it Takes
As we learn and grow, we are changing. We are either changing and finding ways to further cement ourselves into a pattern of rigidity, which eventually becomes lifeless, or we are becoming fluid and adaptable and receptive to the flows of life that ripen our souls.
Inertia plays a big role in the experiences in our daily lives. What we are experiencing now is the result of our past and present mental and emotional states. Those experiences will continue, more or less the same, until our mental and emotional states shift. The shift can occur naturally and subconsciously or as a matter of concsious choice.
We can know when the shift occurs subconciously when interactions, people or situations of the past that were once enjoyable lose their luster. Something has changed. We can make a conscious choice to change our present experience by imagining what it is that we desire and then adopting the mental and emotional states that we would experience if our desire was already real.
When we realize we change, a good rule of thumb is not to fight it or try to recreate the past. The key is to find out what this new state is like and how it can best be experienced, and also it is helpful to do what feels best to support the change.
When we want to change consciously, it is helpful to find the reason we want to experience the change. Then we can be empowered in our committment.
It may take time to change the outward experience. Mental and emotional states can be changed instantly, because that is their nature. However, even though outward experiences can change instantly too, if there is enough inertia sustaining an experience it may take time to direct the force of our desire in another direction. To achieve success requires three things. One, always doing what is in line with the change desired. Two, maintaining, without relent, the mental/emotional states associated with having acheived the desire. Three, giving up the results to God and maintaining the faith that God has done for us what we could not do for ourselves. Then all bases are covered.
