The art of waiting

It has been said that "infinite patience brings immediate results". At first glance this may appear to be a paradox. Not at all. When you first become aware of a particular desire, you may proceed in one of two manners.

Once the desire is targeted in our mind's eye, the ego seems to have a mandate to take control. It begins planning, plotting and aggressively pursuing the desire. There is a loss of balance as the inner self is left behind. The striving in and of itself is not necessarily harmful but there exists a tendency to pursue the goal at all costs.

With the ego firmly in control, decisions are made based on analysis, prejudices, forecasting and probability. The quiet intuitive voice that is of vital importance, will be drowned out by the loud and overbearing ego. Impulsive actions taken in heady pursuit of the goal may lead you closer to its fruition but simultaneously create new problems. You remember that for every action there is indeed a reaction.

If the ego's actions do not net the immediate desired results, resentment may ensue. "Why can't I have this?" and "I deserve it!" are just a few common lamentations of the ego. The mind chatter will pick up steam. This initial resentment creates an solid obstacle between the ego and the manifestation of the desire. Pridefully refusing to be defeated, the ego will predictably become more forceful and the frustration level will rise as well.

Even if the desire is now somehow fulfilled, one must ask at what cost. Did selfish actions en route cause others to suffer? Have you compromised yourself in order to fulfill this desire and do you remain the same person who is able to savor it?

Another approach we are suggesting again involves the planting of the desire in the mind's eye. This is where the similarity to the previous approach ends. This technique was alluded to in a recent newsletter but bears repeating here. With the desire clearly placed in your mind's eye, go further and place your attention on the resulting feeling its fulfillment is envisioned to bring.

Begin drifting away from the desire itself and place the focus on the feeling derived. How will you feel? Will it bring joy, peace of mind, security, contentment or something else? Each morning set aside at least ten minutes upon awakening to sit quietly with eyes closed, placing your attention on the spot located about an inch above your eyebrows in the middle of your forehead. While being aware of that spot and as if looking through a third eye, visualize yourself experiencing the desired emotion.

Experience it as if it has already arrived. If and when a random thought intrudes, gently bring your attention back. When you have completed this exercise resume your day and completely let go of any attachment to the desire.

Trust is paramount as your ego must step aside and allow the universal life force, which is in both you and that which you desire, to flow freely allowing a mysterious attraction process to happen. Avoid the tendency to close your mind and view this as nonsense. Try it first.

In review; start with crystal clear intent, use the third eye technique, emotionally detach from the outcome and continue to practice present moment awareness throughout your day. Be grateful and smile inwardly when the desire is fulfilled in a manner never imagined.