Our Choice, Life’s Direction

By Dr. Josephine’ (Jodi) Sheppard-Dubs

Many of us in life, allow ourselves to get caught up in our daily events, schedules, people, committees, organizations, sports, church, school and etc.

We become immersed in topics, beliefs and even our emotions. At times, to the point that we don’t allow ourselves to “see” beyond that very item we have consumed ourselves with. Such as a current political move that we feel strongly about, or telling our children what is right or wrong; or that we feel a circumstance is hopeless or cannot be changed the way we desire.

The interesting aspect or key to all this, is that it begins with a thought. Such as, “I’m depressed today,” or that makes me angry.” Then, your emotions and your body follow the “instructions” that you just gave them in how to behave and respond.

The wonderful thing with this realization is that you then see that in any event or circumstance, you can choose how to feel (or program) your emotions and body to respond – along with your proceeding thought patterns.

Since your thinking isn’t something that happens to you - yet is something that you do, you can control what you think and how you feel as a result!

All of which also effects your environment and those around you. For example, many have said that their families know when they are in a bad mood without them saying anything –therefore they just knew to “stay out of the way.” The same applies when you choose positive thoughts, which create positive moods –thus actions to follow. Your behavior, mannerisms and actions will always follow our thought patterns. Even subtly, that is why the family “knew to stay out of the way.”

By experimentation, you can even convince yourself that a specific person will not be receptive to you or your ideas, then approach them (imitating as confidently as possible otherwise), and invariably, they will do as you expect - not be receptive.

That person can “feel or sense” your non-receptivity (lack of warmth, openness, genuine behavior/honesty) and thereby will not want to “connect with” or trust you. By the reverse, believe in receptivity and obtain that or be directed where you will gain your desired goal(s).

Just as you may be able to “feel” or sense that a person is standoffish, cold, or even seems to be “draining,” is because they are not in a positive state of mind – without them having to say a word to you directly. By the same token, you may notice some people you really enjoy being around; they seem naturally positive, loving, relaxed and/or high energy.

With all this in mind, ask yourself – what am I choosing to immerse myself in? Is it negative, sad, angry, hopeless/helpless, non-productive thoughts? All which would attract those same types of people and events to repeat in my life. Or, am I immersing myself in positive, joyful, peaceful, uplifting and productive thoughts? Which would attract more of these types of individuals and events in my life. (Haven’t you ever noticed when “good” or “bad” things happen, they seem to be “all at once,” or one event right after another of the same?) What kind of a living example do I want to be?

Something to remember also, is not fool yourself by “faking it.” In other words, if you think you can fool others by just putting on a continual smile and agreeing to almost any productive word shared by others (without you actually doing anything), yet inside you’re still angry, hurt, sad, or doubtful – think on this… when you’ve seen other’s do just that, did it really “fool” you? You don’t want to fake or pretend relationships or friendships of any kind, especially if you want them to be real and lasting (or at least valuable while they last). If people will lie to themselves, they will lie to you. Be honest with yourself.

Think on this: if you squeeze an orange, you get what? Orange juice, right. Well if you get a little squeeze in life (you may not be on time for an appointment, someone isn’t in agreement with you/meeting your expectations or is even taking their day out “loudly” on you), whatever comes out is what you’re really made up of. So what is coming out? Is it words and actions of stress, anger, doubt, fear, sadness, self-pity, or judgment? Or is it the words and actions that followed your thoughts of what’s inside – love, peace, joy, understanding, forgiveness, empathy, support, hope and encouragement?

Can we go a step deeper? Yes! You see, when you have readily expressed the ladder (love, peace, understanding), you have thought from your true self –Spirit. In doing so, you have made a beautiful and divine connection to your heart’s greatest desire – our ultimate source of all that is good – God!

When connecting with the others of self-pity, hopelessness or anger, you’re taking note of the “warning signs” that you are stepping away from your true self, Spirit (in which God first created you), getting further away from God, and living to fulfill the ego and it’s illusion that you have to be separate(d) from God.

When you think from your true self and lead your life from Spirit first, you can have constant contact with God. “ And in God, all things are possible.”

Returning to this true way of being/living is where faith comes in. Faith is the act of experiencing first hand. You move from believing (in which most aspects are taught or given by testimony) to actually knowing from within. This is because it is now “lived,” not just spoken about or heard. Where there is faith, doubt cannot exist. Where there is love, hatred cannot exist. Just as, where there is light (God is the light), darkness cannot exist. Darkness is merely the absence of light; therefore it cannot exist in the presence of light.

Simple steps to put into practice:

1. When you realize the thoughts that you’re producing that take you further from yourself/Spirit and from God, tell yourself (without self-anger or resentment): “Thank-you for the reminder. I choose peace, instead of this.” In doing so, you will eventually began to also feel better mentally, emotionally and even physically. This will bring better clarity to any and all of your circumstances, in which you will be better adept at resolutions and more receptive to them.
   
   
2. Treat your body/mind better. Eat healthier, more organic foods. Drink more water and exercise regularly. Remember, you are worthy of feeling good and being in a healthy body/mind. “God created all…and all is good…” (Genesis).
   
   
3. Meditate. Meditation is simply connecting with God by getting in the silence. Think of this: the world is full of dichotomies – up/down; left/right; male/female; north/south. However, if you break everything down to their smallest molecular structures – you get particles (loosely described). Yet even more so, where everything is the same at the molecular structure – between these particles is space. In space is silence. In silence is God – the source/base of all creation. Why? Silence cannot be divided. Try and you get more silence; try again and more silence. The same with the God-Source – our source (from which all was created) cannot be broken down, divided or taken apart; it just is –it is infinite! So get in the silence, meditate regularly! Don’t allow your ego (that which creates excuses to get away from God/insists on separateness) to tell you there is no time for the one that created you. You have a couple minutes at the stop light; a couple minutes in the bathroom; a couple minutes before or after morning and/or evening prayers; during your exercise routine (this is powerful); before you turn on the TV for your sports/news/soaps/etc.; waiting for the kids to come out from an event; while you’re fixing dinner, walking the dog; or even in the shower. Eventually you’ll discover for yourself the rewards, and you’ll faithfully set aside your own specific time just for you and God!
   
   
4. Visualize the white light (which is God) surrounding you, the event/circumstance and/or the people that you desire to uplift and/or would like to see “feel” better (regardless if it’s changing a mood or health issues).
   
   
5. Practice seeing something beautiful in your environment, in other people and in your immediate surroundings everyday. As well as practice finding that which you are grateful for each day. In beauty and gratitude you automatically lift your own spirits to be more positive, thus creating a positive environment around you.

God Speed and Blessings!

Dr. Josephine’ (Jodi) Sheppard-Dubs is a Support Counselor and Natural Health Consultant. She can be contacted at Healing Solutions in Saginaw or Midland, MI. by calling 989-792-4372. She is also in private practice in Flint, MI. and can be contacted at 810-610-5822.