Yesterday, I stepped into a microcosm of my life when I entered the China Buffet in Sarasota, Florida. It first struck me as I answered the host, “One,” when he asked, “How many?” It was true that I would be dining at a table by myself, yet I would not be alone. I would be part of the collective whole of diners dispersed throughout the restaurant. I am a solitary individual who emerged from the womb alone, yet I am a part of the collective whole of humanity. We are each Oneness individualized. Can you grasp the magnitude of that?
My cosmic realizations continued as I was escorted to a small booth whose table displayed a miniature plastic sign that read, “Please enjoy all the food you take, but be respectful of food not eaten and left on your plate.” It prompted me to ask myself if I ever take more than what I need or plan to use. I know I do not when I am at an eatery; I want it all, and I eat it all! But what about in a broader sense? Am I mindful of future generations who will need the resources that are at my disposal today? I do not keep the water running while I brush my teeth, but I do allow the shower to flow while I shave my legs. I do recycle my plastic, glass, and paper, but I don’t think twice about refilling my fuel tank. Are there areas in your life where you are utilizing more than your fair share?
A few tables to my right, there was a restless three-year-old wailing. Nothing satisfied him. No amount of coddling or cajoling alleviated his angst. His father removed him from the crowd for a private time-out. I was reminded of times when I, like the little boy, am insatiable when it comes to attention and incessant when it comes to complaints. There are times when I, too, am needy, clingy, and want to cry out loud. What a nuisance to those around me! I have often injected myself into a social atmosphere when what I really needed was a time-out with The Father to rebalance. Are there times when you feel it might be best to stay alone for an hour or a day just to restore? Honor that.
As I was helping myself to the smorgasbord, I noticed another plastic sign. This one read, “Please use a clean plate for each trip to the buffet bar.” It reminded me of the best way to approach each new day—with a clean slate. Let go of what’s sullied. Let the soiled be washed away. Start fresh. Use a new wineskin for the new wine, lest ruination. What are you still carrying that needs cleansing?
There was an abundance of food laid out, plenty enough for all present. If every customer wanted pork lo mein, then pork lo mein would continuously be provided until all had their fill. One’s gain would not mean another’s loss. Neither is life a zero-sum game. There is more than enough to go around. Why then, I asked myself, do I sometimes fret that I will be left short-changed? Do you ever fear lack of universal supply? It is only an illusion.
That renewed abundance, however, may require an appeal and some patience. When I noticed that the Chinese honey donuts were gone, I asked a worker who was refilling other trays if he would please replenish them. I waited several minutes with no results, and then asked another worker for the same. In the meantime, I chatted with a fellow customer, served myself some ice cream, and took a trip to the ladies’ room. When I returned, there they were! The tray was overflowing with Chinese honey donuts. I had asked for what I wanted, and then I waited patiently until it was given. Are you persistent and expecting when you present your desires to the Universe?
As always, at the end of my meal, I looked forward to the fortune cookie containing sage advice that was certain to accompany my bill. I swear that each time the message is divinely meant specifically for me. Yesterday’s advised, “Judge each day not by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant.” Just what I needed to hear in that moment! I often base the success of my day on outward appearances. It would be wise for me not to ignore the deeds done. What messages is your life speaking to you? Are you open and receptive to them?
When I was through, I trusted that someone would come along to clean up after me, so I left a tip as a Thank You. It is so important to continually express gratitude daily, but especially appropriate at the end of each day. We can say thank you for the nourishment we received for our bodies, minds, and spirits. Thank you for the lessons that were presented and the opportunity to master them. Thank you for the chance to try again where we may have fallen short.
Yesterday, I realized that life is like a Chinese buffet. Bon Appétit.
Be enlightened! ~ M
I am going to pick up on a small - or not - bit of this, and sort of disagree ("there ain't no good guys, there ain't no bad guys..."). You comment that it is especially appropriate to express gratitude at day's end. Sometimes, perhaps, those day's end prayers (at least, for me) can become a little formulaic.....plus I don't always remember stuff......my favorite moments of gratitude are right now....and now.....and now....when it happens, or when i see it, or when something clicks....wow, God! That was awesome! Thank you!...God, look at that sunset! How Cool! Thank you!....There is one closing thank you I do have; it is companion to my opening "please...." and is the most heartfelt thank you I know: Thank you, God, for another day wheee clean and wheee sober YAY GOD!
ReplyDeleteNo, it is not a zero-sum life....thank you, Dr M!
I am looking at the buffet table, and thinking of something also for which I am grateful....such a simple thing, but not mine for many years.....choices. Thank you, God, for choices.
Concurrently...ah, yes, concurrently, because I can do that (and so can you, world)....concurrently, riding side-by-side with Pollyanna, is that fearful, earthbound Linda.....I look to my right, here, as I type, and see your book list....headed by Esther and Jerry Hicks' (bless 'em, whoever they are) confident little opus, "Ask and It Is Give(n)." Really. Really? Fer shure? When? How much? Will it be the right color? How many verses? Will it last? Does it dissolve in water? Is it big enough? Small enough? WHY ISN'T IT HERE NOW I NEED HELP NOW?! hello? god?
peace out.......
linda
Hi Linda,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that there are no “good” or “bad” guys. We are on the same page with the Gratitude in the Now concept along with Eckhart Tolle and many others. As I wrote, “It is so important to CONTINUALLY express gratitude daily.” I believe it is a transformative tool. I like that you refer to your expressions as “favorite moments.”
The Hicks’ work you question is based on the teachings of Abraham—the name of a channeled Collective Consciousness. In short, Abraham tells us through Esther Hicks that we create our own reality through our thoughts. It is what we are paying attention to that is attracted to us. We can know where our true attention lies by becoming aware of how we feel. Abraham tells us that the longer we keep our attention focused on a desire, the higher the frequency of attraction.
I see many questions posed about what your fulfilled desire looks like. Only you can answer them because it’s you who creates your own reality. From the Abraham-Hicks perspective, it would be wise to consider how long your attention has been focused on your desire. What color have you been focusing on? Has your attention been placed on it dissolving in water? What you are seeing in the now is whatever you have been focused on the longest.
I hear in your words what I detect as frustration and desperation. If that is so, they are not high-frequency vibrations. That would be an indication that your attention has been focused on something that is probably not what you desire. But again, only you can know what your desire is. Only you can know what you are feeling--and that is what Abraham-Hicks says indicates what you are thinking about.
When our thoughts and our emotions are in harmony with each other, they act as a magnet. If we want to change what we are attracting, we need to change the frequency by changing our thoughts as indicated by the feelings we are experiencing. This sounds much more complicated than it actually is once a daily practice of it is made.
When I am in disharmony, I know I need to refocus my attention to what I desire. I know I need to get into a feeling place that is at a higher frequency than what I am currently feeling. Some helpful tools I use are meditation and affirmations. These can be incorporated with the expression of gratitude spoken about above. I might sit still and repeat a mantra like, “In this moment I have enough and I am thankful.” In time, my focus shifts to what I have rather than what I think I have not. That then puts me in a feeling-good emotional state which tells me that I am now focused on my desire. Over time, if I remain consistent, that desire will be attracted to me.
If I don’t like what I see in my life, or I don’t see here what I would like, I know I need to change my frequency. What I am seeing now is a reflection of what I have thought about in the past. If I want something different for my future, I need to think differently in the now. I know what my thoughts are by being aware of how I feel. For example: If I do not see love in my life now, that tells me I was not focusing my attention on love in the past. If I want to see love in the future, I need to focus on love now. If I am feeling unlovable now, I know my thoughts are not focused on love. If I want to attract love in my life, I need to think loving thoughts, not unloving ones. The choice is mine. One can substitute any desire she chooses here. I used love only as an example.
Peace to you, Linda. Thanks for writing.
Be enlightened! ~M