Is It Really This Simple?

Is it really this simple? 

Is it really a matter of holding certain thoughts in my mind; ones that are mostly and increasingly free of negative chatter and stories, that tell truths about the present and my indomitable spirit rather than stories of past failures or wrongs committed by or against me - and seeing even the positive thoughts as things less pure than my indescribably beautiful and whole Being?

Is it really a matter of getting clear – I mean crystal clear – about what it is that I am after, and then remaining true to that vision through temporary tests and supposed setbacks? Is it a matter of seeing that vision and retaining focus; of choosing little symbols of what it is that I am after, like the red turntable and the poster of the epic little space where I want to live, and the picture taken from the deck of some other dreamer’s sailboat as it approaches distant, sun-soaked islands?

Is it a matter of learning to laugh when I used to cry? Of seeing beauty where I once saw ugliness (including in the mirror)? Is it a matter of seeing perfection where I once saw something less in relationship, in situation, in life?

Has it always been as simple as seeing supposed self-sacrifices as opportunities to develop patience and compassion and wisdom, as well as developing a self-discipline that allows me to stay in my place of peace now and forever? And what of taking personal responsibility for the things that happen that are difficult, where I have made choices that encouraged those stern teachers to come to me; yet still, is that mercy behind their eyes? Has accepting them without hatred and judgment and self-flagellating regret always been a part of my work here? 

Is my happiness and success really the result of “throwing it out there” and then working without frantic twitchings, without demand that things be different NOW, but working with patience, compassion, laughter, generosity and spontaneity as the Universe decides when I am fully ready to receive, for my benefit and the benefit of others? Am I really in charge of defining what “success” is, for me? Have I always been in charge? Has it always been a function of focus, faith and fortitude?

Really? That’s it? That’s the formula? Loving life and seeing its beauty in all its forms, including myself, in every moment?

Yay!

--Eric Marley

April 16, 2012