Well, recently, in my meditation, it occurred to me that I cannot wait until the circumstances are perfect to start living the life of my dreams. And I cannot go live in a temple at this very moment, so... my realization is this:
I already live in a temple. My body is my temple. It houses my soul. And just as I would be on my best, most pious behavior inside a temple, I must behave my best everyday. Live holy and devout by being healthy inside my body. I must take care of it, from the inside out. Feed it well, practice cleanliness and good health hygiene, exercise, go to the doctor when something needs repaired, and be kind and gentle and nourish it, as well as nourishing my mind and spirit. The same way you would ask your children to care for their body, heart and soul. {you are your child's greatest teacher.} It also occurred to me that my life, everyday, as a mom, wife, friend, sister, daughter or neighbor is my deepest meditation. Where better to be patient than with screaming, tired children when you, yourself, haven't slept more than three hours at a time in years? Where better to practice love than with people who you want to deem unloveable? Where better to practice compassion than with a person who intentionally or unintentionally causes you harm? Where better to become peace than in the midst of chaos? My life and my actions, must become the holy scriptures I long to study. My words and conversations must become my mantras.
All that I wish to focus on in that temple, that I imagine in my glorious future, I must focus on today. In this moment.
No need to keep looking toward the future for the best days of my life to happen, everyday is the best day, if I can remember to be present, and be grateful for each experience and all it encompasses. No need to put off becoming patient or more loving or more adventurous. No need to wait until my life is perfect to enjoy it fully. Today, this moment, that's all we really have. Tomorrow is never promised.
As I am walking through my own personal journey of bravery and growth, I hope that I can encourage you also, even if just a tiny bit. I want my story to show you that adversity doesn't determine your destiny. Only you have the power to do that. You can change your life if it's not what you imagined your life to be. You can. You get a new opportunity every second to be better than you were. If you were mean to your children or your spouse or even to yourself, say sorry. If you made a decision you aren't proud of, or said something you wish you hadn't, Repent. And chose a better feeling action, word or thought. It's truly that simple. You can be better. You can be stronger. You can be bolder than you ever dreamed possible. It's all inside of you to make this life the life of your dreams.
My meditation today prompted me to not let my heartaches and my own sins be in vain. Let them be told, so just maybe I can give someone else hope to tell their story. To be brave. To be bold. To be free.
Blessings,
Melanie
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