There is much advertising about sustainability today and it’s an absolute wonder what modern science can do in regards to drawing on natural elements like the sun and the wind to sustain our modern lifestyles while saving a few dollars in the process. However, looking at the gradual but certain increase of upheaval in the world – both natural disasters and man-made conflict – I can’t help but wonder what do I need to consistently do as an individual to sustain myself… I want to create positive energy to remain light and happy regardless of what is going on around me. But how do I sustain that?

I can start by applying a firm brake whenever necessary by simply applying a fullstop. No commas, no question marks no exclamation marks, just a fullstop. That gives me a chance to consciously breathe for a few seconds while I check my own thoughts, my own words and my own actions and change them when needed before moving on – I can Practice … Practice … Practice … and then … Practice some more, till I get it right!!! Be it at work or at home or within any group environment.

Even when I think I have Mastered a healthy, life-giving behavior – it will slip away very easily and quickly if I don’t keep doing it. Consistently putting into practice that which I know is good for me and for those around me is the only way to sustain my own happiness and create harmony in my life through uplifting others. The instant I lose focus, my attention starts to wander – complacency and carelessness sets in and my efforts become slack… without even noticing (or ignoring warning signals), I’m sucked back into that meaningless vacuum of waste and negativity and once again am at the mercy of the world.

So rather than looking outside ourselves for validation or waiting for others to change, I the individual can start by looking inside and draw on just ONE Power from within – just ONE Quality, ONE Speciality or Virtue – and consistently put that into practice. Imagine the Wonder when we each start focusing on and using just one strength in ourselves – making it easy to focus on ONE strength in others. What an amazing way to sustain love, relationships and life.

Of course we need to sustain ourselves with nutritious food and drink, proper rest and exercise, and healthy, uplifting company as well (as I begin to know my own beauty this will become easier) I will know my own Value so will not give or accept anything less. I will only give the best of myself to others and they in time will only give their best to me.

If we continue to sustain chaos in our minds – and therefore in the world – by not checking and changing ourselves first, where will this lead us? I personally prefer to live in a world of peace and happiness, so change definitely starts with ME! We all have to sit ‘tests’ in life – that’s life – so instead of looking away in fear, take the opportunity to stand and face it and see it as an opportunity to step up in life. How does one become an Accountant, a Doctor, a Barrister etc….? By studying and taking many tests. If I don’t take life ‘tests’, how will I know that I am passing in that particular area?

Question: What do you do when faced with a test in life?

Contemplation: Why do you think you look away or run from it?

Activity: Throughout the month of February practice applying a fullstop (a firm brake) whenever necessary. Start by changing your actions if they are causing you or others tension – work your way towards becoming a Conqueror of thought. Your aim should be to stop a destructive or negative thought before it is put into action, this will save you much time and energy and you can get on with creating Wonder in Life 🙂