The Power of Belief

It is easy to unconsciously slip into a pessimistic view of life, particularly when it is populated with problems whose ultimate resolution remains uncertain, thus engendering our fear and loathing. 

But a routinely negative perspective will often turn our worst fears into a self-fulfilling prophecy, as we tend to see what we believe. Create the habit of focusing on all that isn't following the dictates of our deepest desire and we will miss all the abundance that does sustain and edify.

Belief is a powerful force in our lives in this respect. It profoundly shapes us in ways that remain largely invisible and, therefore, is something worth becoming conscious of and questioning. What beliefs drive our view of life? Are they really true? Partially true? How are they affecting our choices? What would happen if we made a different choice? 

Are our beliefs protecting us from something it would be in our best interest to face?

Sometimes our beliefs do not serve us well, for as much as they hold the potential to liberate, they very often seem to keep us in bondage, confined to a very small view of both ourselves and the world around us. This clearly is not in our best interest and yet it seems that people have a tendency to hobble themselves in this fashion, contributing to mental and emotional malaise.

Freedom is to be found when we have the courage to question some of our assumptions about life, when we open to the possibility that there may be more to us than meets even our own eyes. When we do this it becomes clear that there is much more to everyone's life than is immediately apparent. 

The creation of such a mental space gives us a little breathing room where we can ruminate and process the material that surfaces as the result of questioning some of our most deeply held beliefs.

Transformation is only possible when we make room for the possibility that some of our beliefs are mistaken, when there is room for other ideas to percolate and do their work on us. Transformation is a collaborative effort with the Source of our life and this requires a degree of surrender and a certain amount of faith that there is some method to the apparent madness.

We need to remain awake and alive to the richness and beauty of our lives if we want to reap its benefits. Perhaps if we focus on seeing and appreciating these aspects of life we will experience a consequent shift in our beliefs that can ripple pleasantly into the farthest corners of our existence. 

The human psyche is a very malleable instrument, after all, and like all fine instruments requires maintenance and care in order to function optimally. There are many challenges to this, of course, but failing to do the work will only compound the effects of its neglect.

I personally don't want to wait to get to the end of my life before I appreciate all the wonder and beauty that comprised it. 

Dare to believe that the life you've been given is worthy of such love, care and respect.