90 Day No Negativity Challenge – Day 89

Sanctuary

A Course in Miracles, Lesson 181 says, “Perception has a focus. It is this that gives consistence to what you see. Change but your focus, and what you behold will change accordingly.”

This challenge has shifted my focus dramatically.  I see people and things with greater compassion and loving kindness.  There is no resistance because there no negativity for it to grow and take root in.   There is no need to dress things up with delusional optimism and positive thinking because I am able to accept things as they are. I don’t need them to be different.

If there is something that needs doing I do it. If there is a problem to be solved I look for solutions. But, you know, it’s interesting how few problems there are in the absence of negativity.  I enjoy life more, warts and all when I am free of negative judgments about it. Letting go of complaints, criticisms, blame, condemnations and all the other forms of negativity has freed me to see the world as it is. I see it as it is, not what I think it is or that I’m afraid it is.  There’s a big difference. When there is no negativity in my heart and mind I see the world in all its flawed glory, whole and good. I like that.

I have always been able to create and sustain beauty in my home of the moment. It was a gift that I knew I had at an early age and I’ve been thankful for it.  I’ve called many places home, a ramshackle trailer, an Army barracks, a studio apartment, Army Quarters, the back of my truck on a weekend of paddling, a hotel room or a tent.  When I bought my house, my first, a woman I work with gave me some advice she thought I needed. She told me that if I were going to enjoy my home I would need to learn to look past all the things that needed fixing up and see things that didn’t or I would be miserable.  It was good advice.  If I only focused on what was wrong or flawed and what needed work I was robbed of joy.  There’s always something that needs doing, at least in my house.  I took her advice. I’m not a brain dead moron. I know good advice when I hear it. I learned to focus not just on the things that were on my never ending honey do list but on the things that gave me pleasure and nourished my spirit as well.  The result is that my home, even with everything that needs to be done, is my refuge, my sanctuary.  This challenge has brought that lesson home on a deeper level and I find that my life, flaws and all has become my home. It has become my sanctuary, a sacred and holy place. But, hey, don’t take my word for it.