Snow and Joy

Wow! Almost two feet of snow! Woo hoo!

The above picture is of the Twisp River Valley in Washington state where I will be headed soon...and I feel better prepared after this weekend's snow fall. So, I am celebrating with all you fellow snow lovers out there.

Today's entry is for all the non-snow lovers out there, for those of you grumbling and irritated that snow has fallen and there's nothing you can do about it (also for lovers of negativity in general)...here is your perfect opportunity to practice Sutra II.33: Vitarka bhadhane pratipaksha bhavanam. “When disturbed by negative thoughts, simply think the opposite.” Practicing this in circumstances where it's obvious we can do little about the external circumstances makes it easier to recall in less obvious circumstances that we always have a choice.

Choice is our gift. We always have the power to choose, if not our external circumstances, how we feel about the external circumstances. When we can't change the situation, we can change our mind about the situation. We can choose a different mindset, or at the very least, we can be in acceptance of the situation or mindset we are currently in. We've all heard this a million times but how often do we actually practice it? I feel that the above sutra offers us a simple way to practice. Even if the 'opposite' thought feels ridiculous, it at the very least allows an opportunity for us to laugh at ourselves. For example, when thinking something like: 'that driver is an idiot! He shouldn't have been given a driver's license!' the opposite may sound like, 'I am so happy this driver is here in front of so I can witness his driving skills. Thank you, unknown driver, for giving me this opportunity.' Sounds a little ridiculous, but the point is that negativity is lessened.

Another great opportunity to practice this will most likely be with our families this holiday season. Many say we don't choose our relatives...there's an old saying about it that I can't recall in the moment...so what do we do? Do we continue to allow ourselves to be disturbed by things we cannot change? Or can we perhaps try a little acceptance? If this is a completely new concept to you, I encourage you to try it and watch, feel, see what happens. The results may surprise you.

With love and patience,

Blessings to all