Power to be Playful – Part 2…
Happy!

Hi EveryOne,

How are you enjoying this light and uplifting power? Some are finding it challenging and others are finding the reminder of keeping life light, helpful in current situations. But either way, don’t beat yourself up, pat yourself on the back for at least having a go 🙂

I had prepared my publishing schedule to include my editor, designer and printer – which takes quite a bit of doing, to find the right people and line everyone up at the right time. Unfortunately my designer pulled out and I was challenged to check my playfulness around the situation. One of the mottos I try to steer my life by, is to be responsible for any task but don’t carry the burden of it (in other words, do what you can and let go of the rest)… At first I could feel myself getting serious as the ‘inconvenience’ of looking for and trusting another designer is time consuming and stressful – but I didn’t allow it… Instead, I caught myself ‘sliding down’ and instantly reminded myself of this amazing power and I had to laugh. So what!… So the schedule may be delayed by a couple of weeks… Everything has purpose and benefit – I was able to release any expectation and simply get on with finding another – possibly, even better designer, to suit my needs. I let go and simply moved on – how liberating 🙂

If I don’t practice regularly, when I need my power the most, they will be weak at best. I will then become more frustrated and stressed and probably start beating myself up for not having practiced… My point is, our power doesn’t make stressful situations disappear, no, it simply helps us cope better and even transcend any disempowering behaviour. “Happiness is not the absence of conflict, it’s the ability to deal with it”. Don’t make time your teacher (don’t wait for something to happen before you take notice). Be proactive in your life by constantly applying your powers and watch the stress fall away.

Questions to churn on:

– Do I practice my powers daily or do I wait for situations to rise up and challenge me?…

– When I catch myself ‘sliding down’, do I stop myself instantly or do I let myself slide further, then blame others or the ‘situation’?…

– What strategy can I put into place to stop myself from sliding?…

Lesson:
Strategies are important to have in place, particularly when we are learning new ways of living. Old habits wait around every corner, ready to pounce – their job is to challenge us – don’t be afraid of them but thank them for the opportunity to show your new skills

You know, I often hear people say – I’m not blaming them/you, I’m blaming the situation! Pay close attention to your words. Whether I blame ‘them’ or blame the ‘situation’ – I’m still pointing the finger of blame away from me and I become a victim of circumstance. Blaming the ‘situation’ is a justification because I’m really blaming the person who I believe created the situation. I just don’t want them challenging me because I’ve already made myself a victim – I fear their retaliation because I will find it too confronting.

Looking forward to receiving more of your contributions… And remember, playfulness has nothing to do with being irresponsible, but to be able to see the brighter side and not take the fun out of life. Some think this not being responsible, as children have no sense of responsibility. We can get far too serious and weigh ourselves and others down – that’s not responsible! Heaviness and anger serves no-one. Don’t confuse being too serious with being responsible and don’t confuse playfulness with being irresponsible. Mindfulness means to be mindful – of not giving OR taking sorrow. When we get too serious about our spiritual progress and self transformation, we can actually hurt others along the way, then justify it as being honest or assertive. Aggression is aggression and hurt people, hurt people! Don’t judge others for their ability to keep a situation light and carefree – it’s a gift that they probably worked hard for! Spirituality means to bring meaning to my life – to take my spirituality serious in order to stay light and playful – not the other way around 🙂

Lots of love Annemarie

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