When bad things happen... shift your thinking.

Celebrated a birthday this year that brought strange feelings. I didn't quite like the number you see, and the strongest emotion was one of disbelief "ALREADY?!!", how time flies quickly! But It was an opportunity to defy it, look young, be healthy and take measures to keep it that way. I cleared out my spare room and turned it into a sanctuary where I intended to go each morning and evening for solitude, introspection and meditation. A few minutes of yoga and stretch will also be very beneficial in order to wake up my body and put zing back into my drowsy self.

My first self appointed session in the quiet of my new space kept gearing my mind to face all the bad small stuff as well as large stuff I had gone through the past few years, not to mention all the stuff I am bombarded with daily via the news. Instinctively cursing those moments - Why? WHY!! Then the serenity around me, the early morning song of the birds, the fresh light drizzle and cool breeze from the open window shifted my brain; and I remembered a lesson I was taught once upon a stroll down Ventura Boulevard and into a Kabbala class I had decided then to try out. It was interesting, and although I did not continue the classes, I did take away four steps that I still use to this day.

1. When facing difficult situations - when bad things happen - acknowledge that its from the Light "
2. Identify your reaction.
3. Stop reacting, breath and allow the Light to come in.
4. Deal with your situation as an opportunity to resist.

There is always an opponent out there, testing us, trying us, causing us to stumble, the "devil"? There is no doubt we often feel there is an opponent out there, but it is there to offer opportunity to resist reaction. For example, you're in the express line at the grocery store and you see the cashier taking her sweet time, the person before you has more than 15 items, and you know cause you counted. Reaction?

Pissed, impatient, frustrated, an intensity builds inside, you're stressed cause you're in a hurry.

Stop, consider this minor moment of frustration as an opportunity to resist these obvious reactions, recognize these negative feelings and shift your mind: "so you have extra time to chill, do some deep breathing, glance at the magazines on the rack, strike a conversation with the person in line, you know, the one with more than 15 items, she or he most likely will be a delightful person to talk to, maybe stretch your toes (that feels good) ... use the time as a chance to slow down and be mindful.

I have put this attitude to practice many times, it works! My stress level reduces, and in that moment I become a happier, calmer person. So don't sweat the small stuff, the "devil" is the opponent, and the opponent is every undesirable situation that shows up in your life, testing you, pushing your button in places you need change. Change comes when you resist... don't react, and be pro-active by seeing it all as a great opportunity to grow.