I love the poems of Mary Oliver … somewhere on a page with her poems was this:
Instructions for living a life:
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.
The newscasters have been telling us all week about the huge snowstorm due to hit this weekend. Yesterday I went to the store to get a few items. It took over an hour and a half. At first as I tried to find the shortest line, (the lines went way down the aisles) I was getting aggravated… then I remembered these three lines. I stopped and went to the end of the closest line and decided to Pay Attention. I saw items on the shelves I’d never seen before, and probably would never have noticed since I have my favorites and tend to buy only those. I saw people of every color, age, size and shape. I talked to quite a few of them which I wouldn’t have done on a regular shopping trip. I got to help a woman and her elderly father who was in a wheel chair. (Imagine doing your grocery shopping pushing a full cart and a wheel chair!) I got to watch the local TV station interview some young boys and saw them go from embarrassment to bravado.
As I left the store I was astonished at the fullness of the experience I had just had. I realized once again that it’s the attitude we have while experiencing life that makes it painful or enjoyable. I could have, like so many in the store, slid into the aggravation I first experienced, yet I knew I had a choice – and I choose to be fully present.
Today outside my window the snow is falling. I pay attention. There is a peacefulness about it. It is beautiful. I am astonished by the simplicity of snow.
And now I’ve told you all about it.
SPIRITUAL MIND TREATMENT
There is one Life, that Life is God’s Life and this is the life I am living. This LifeForce within me, that is the Source and substance of all things, the Energy that makes all things work, is infinitely intelligent and unconditionally loving.
I declare I am no longer living this magnificent life in reaction. I pay attention. As I do this my senses are sharpened, awakened and empowered. Everything seems brand new. My world appears to be more peaceful and a lot more fun. I am astonished!
By my actions and attitudes I tell the world of my belief in the goodness of all. I am a living example of how powerful we are. I inspire others to open their hearts and minds, and this is good.
Gratefully I release these words into the Law of Mind, knowing they are so, and so it is.
