Finding the path to joy - what we resist persists

Paris in the spring. I just got back from a week in the city of lights, and I am headed to the airport again in a few hours, this time for the Southern USA. Spring is in the air. The days are getting longer, the weather getting warmer. Although I have gotten into the habit of marking the monthly anniversary of my emotional pain, something feels different this week. Last week, I had mysterious flash of grace: I was filled with peace, joy, and a love beyond comprehension. My circumstances hadn't changed, yet everything felt completely different. After some instropection, I realized, that like everyone, whenever something happens in my life that I don't want, I aim to push it away swiftly. This type of action can be physical, emotional, mental, or all three. I decided to stay connected to the pain past the initial response - and as such, I effectively decided to say NO to my reality. Those closest to me would say that this resistance lasted for a VERY long time. Today, the pain is gone. Why? Last week I stopped analyzing it, judging it, and I also stopped trying to control it. I lived with it, and funny enough, it disappeared. Overnight. I now feel at peace. Happy. Without the assistance of prescription medication. 'Whether conscious or not, resistance is always a choice. Resistance causes us to abandon our bodies, the present moment, and any chance of changing things for the better....Resistance is like stepping on a hose with all our might and commanding the water to flow. But if we can simply step off the hose and allow the water of our reactions to flow through us, we eventually arrive at a state of expansion. While on the surface this may seem passive, it's anything but. In an expanded state, we're freer, more creative, and better able to break through barriers. ' So now that the resistance is gone, here is what is left in my thoughts: Hope. It's the only thing that is stronger than fear, and its why I woke up today with a smile Health - mine first. That of those I love as well. Opportunities - who knew there were so many? Choices - the ability to decide - how precious is that? Plans - a special birthday trip with my girlfriends to the West Coast, among other very exciting plans. Love - so much, from so many precious, different sources Eyes - A new way to see the world, and all that it can offer Work - A job that stimulates me, and pays more than the bills Friends - to connect with and share the experiences along the way There is so much joy in my heart today, now that I have chosen to let go and enjoy the ride. Read more: http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Two-Questions-That-Could-Change-Your-Life/2#ixzz1sJXXpntv