Yesterday, Jeff, a fellow traveler said, “Dave, you get three thinks, after that, you have no choice but to seek assistance.” For me, using this advice has been a powerful tool in finding a solution for a particular problem or situation. Maybe it can help you.
A problem arises, maybe it is a conflict with a co-worker or a close family member. Your first think is simply to assess the situation. What happened, what are your options, and how and when are you going to respond? If the answers are unclear, use your second think. In your mind, weigh and measure all of the choices, bearing in mind which of the options will help the most and harm the least. If you are still uncertain as to how to proceed, you are now in your third and final think think. The situation is weighing heavily on your mind. A tape of the scenario keeps playing in your head, taking up a lot of space between your ears and causing a lot of chatter. “Could I have said or done something differently?” “If only they didn’t do this to me.” “Why always me?” Seemingly blaming yourself as well as the other person, still with no solution or resolution.
Now that you have used all three of your thinks you are left with what I refer to as the Three Actions.
1. Share it with a friend and ask for their guidance. Offer the scenario and situation along with your thinking and options and ask for their input. This will accomplish two things. By speaking out loud, it will help you to relieve the burden of the situation as well as give you the opportunity to receive priceless feedback. I have found if I take this action, often times, the solution presents itself just in the verbal telling of my situation. If this does occur, I recommend you let your trusted friend know your thoughts, be patient, and still wait for their feedback. It may be of great benefit to you to hear what they have to say.
2. Meditate: You may find that a mantra is helpful. Perhaps on your in-breath you think or intone, “I am facing a problem,” and on your out-breath you think or intone, “The solution is on its way.” There is no one right way to meditate. Find what works for you. You may like to utilize a meditation app or listen to calming music or in your mind go to a place that represents calm and peace. The action of meditation has helped me find resolutions to many problems. The answers just seem to come.
3. Pray for the guidance on what you are facing. Look and search and think beyond yourself. Maybe you like to sit or stand or walk or kneel or be in a special place. What is most important is take the action and do what works for you! An answer may come.
Intertwining an attitude of gratitude into all of these three actions can make all the difference in the world.
I understand, for many, Prayer and Meditation can be very difficult and overwhelming. I know it was for me. It really does not have to be a burden and take up a lot of your time. Personally, I pray for 30-60 seconds at a time. It has become painless, tolerable, and a way of life for me. And, as a result, answers to my problems do come. Do it in your own way and make it your own. I have heard many people just close their eyes and silently say to themselves, “I am” as they inhale and “Peace” as they exhale. It can be as simple as that. It could change your life. To my knowledge, no one has very disproved the power of meditation and prayer.
Gratitude!
David Avram Wolfe