The Power of Positive Thinking

When I was a kid, I read a biography of President Abraham Lincoln, who was something of a hero to me as early as 5th grade. I remember reading some quote attributed to him that was something like: "Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be". Even as a kid, that made an enormous impression upon me, and I understood from a young age the importance of choosing one's attitude, and the importance of having a positive outlook on life. 

While I was blessed with a very good family, my life was about as normal as most American kids growing up in New England during the 1970's. Yet that simple quote from President Lincoln was hugely instructive to me, and has helped me overcome every hurdle, set back or negative thing that has come my way in life.

About ten years ago I began studying Buddhism out of pure interest. I was not seeking to change my faith, merely to broaden my understanding of world cultures and other people. I am not a Buddhist by practice, but I remain a student, so to speak. Early on in my studies I learned the importance of positive thinking. The notion that: "We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts, and with our thoughts we make our world" especially resonated with me. It reminded me of a similar lesson President Lincoln was giving from that quote. 

Whether one calls it the power or prayer, power of thoughts, or positive energy, it all stems from the same source in my opinion. These principles apply to personal life, business, career or family. If you dwell on what is wrong, or what could go wrong, or what went wrong, your mind--and world around you reflect that negative energy, and the laws of attraction tend to just bring more.

Like this sign reads above, "Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results". My life has been met with many similar challenges, disappointments, and sadness or loss as the next person, yet I have never-ever felt negative or as if life was unfair. In fact I've felt exactly the opposite. I consider myself truly blessed and the luckiest person in the world. Truly, most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. I just made up my mind many years ago to be happy. And that positive thinking has made all the difference.

Living in the Moment

As most people do when they reach a certain age, I’ve become more introspective and self-aware. Evaluating personal goals, re-affirming what matters most in one’s life and ensuring priorities are correct become paramount.  I’ve always had a touch of melancholy even as a kid—people have long told me I’m an “old soul” but for years I never knew what that meant. My background as a Christian has not prevented me from being a student of world religions. I enjoy learning about how other faiths and cultures view one's purpose in Today I like to think of myself as somewhat of a Buddhist apprentice. The Dalai Lama has written that Buddhists believe the main purpose in life is to be happy. Seems reasonable, doesn't it?

I will always remain Christian, it is part of who I am. Yet I opened my mind to accept other points of view on the matter of life. I firmly believe that we go around a few times on our journey…our path to enlightenment. I have no problem with the possibility that one can be on the same journey to Heaven by practicing faiths across a few lifetimes. That being said, I’d like to go back to where I started.  I have no idea whether this is my first life or I’ve been here before, but one thing I do know: I want to  make the most of this life.  That’s where the priorities part comes in. I’m thoroughly blessed and grateful for everything the Universe has provided.  I am grateful to feel as though life has taught me many important lessons early on, so now I reap benefits of those life lessons.

So what does matter most? Well, to me, it comes down to living in the moment. Enjoy this very moment. Being content, appreciative for what one has- regardless of how much-- or how little. Even when one is going through a difficult situation (you name it), there is always something to appreciate, if you know where to look.

So where does one look? It’s easy. No travel required. No money is necessary. No other person get it for you. It is within each one of us. Learning to look inward for satisfaction, fulfillment and happiness is one of the greatest lessons in life.

During one of my radio shows recently I was talking about this when a listener called in with a question. ‘Suzie’ explained she understood my point about looking inward, but as much as she did, she saw nothing.  I asked ‘Suzie’ what she felt she was good at (hobbies, etc). She replied that she was good at gardening. “And do you enjoy gardening?” I asked. “Yes”, she said, “very much”. I pointed out that part of living in the moment is appreciating the gifts you have. For some people, having a green thumb is very satisfying. Finding as many of those things about yourself is what it is all about.  Interestingly, the next caller was a blind woman who called in to say that although she was blind, she was grateful for mobility. Being blind wasn’t an obstacle for, especially since she has a guide dog. Having legs that work, she told me were a true gift because with her guide dog she was able to get out of the house and explore the world whenever she wanted.

It was the perfect way to wrap up my show that day. It also served as a reminder to me, yet again about how easy it is to find happiness within.  Regardless of your age or personal situations going on, try your best to get your priorities in line. Live in the moment, take time every day to appreciate what you have and do what matters most. It’s amazing how unimportant everything else suddenly becomes.

The Palm Springs Buddha

One of my favorite routines is to sit on my south patio and watch the sun rise. It is so peaceful, only the sound of an occasional bird or the palm fronds swaying in a gentle breeze. It is also my time to meditate and relax, even if it is as little as 10 to 15 minutes, it makes a real difference in the day. I especially enjoy watching how the sun's rays gradually illuminate the eastern side of the giant Buddha head statue on the patio. The photo above left gives you the idea of what I mean.

By the time the full sun is out, the Buddha takes on a different look and feel, don't you think? It has a peaceful look in the early hours, and then a majestic full energy in the full light of day. It reminds me to keep things in perspective, and to maintain that all-important balance in our lives. So 'The Palm Springs Buddha' may not be known to others, but he sure is known to me!