How Ever Do We Communicate?

A few comments to my post yesterday, with the quotes, reminded me (again) that communication among humans can be tricky, because the meaning of some words is purely subjective. For instance, the word "joy" to me doesn't equate with happiness, but rather is spiritual in nature, more a state of Being that is beyond word or thought. But "joy" means other things to other people.

As do the words "expectations" and "hope."

What if Eileen Caddy's first quote had, for instance, been written as, "Trust God (or have faith in God...) to meet your every need. Trust God to provide the answer to every problem. Trust God to bring abundance on every level."

Perhaps that would have resonated with some more than the original quote.

For me, those quotes, and the web page, remind me that attitude is everything. That operating daily from a place of fear or discouragement or bitterness or hopelessness engenders more of the same in one's life. But operating daily from an attitude of thankfulness, gratitude, openness and trust in the universe/god shifts one's perspective to that of abundance. It reminds me that if we want something in our lives, the universe will meet us half way, if we commit to action.

I need that reminder in my life right now, after so long feeling nothing but the lack of meaning to all life.

Comments

Angel Simba said…

Mom says that though she believes in God, she does not believe he will do all that. he obviously does not for so many people who believe in Him (e.g. the poor and starving in Africa) that it would be presumptuous to think He would make her life so abundant. But approaching life "joyfully" in the way you describe resonates with her as a goal to have. Somehow to try to damp down feeling anxious about so much, and fearing bad stuff happening to family members and herself.

February 27, 2013 at 11:15 AM

Kea said…

The thing is, no matter what mind set we have, sickness and death and upheaval will come to us all. I think it's learning how to deal with it, how to bounce back.

Not easy, especially if your brain chemistry is whacky and leaves you vulnerable to depression, anxiety, etc.

I'm so tired of feeling and believing that everything I do is useless and meaningless, because there is only death in the end. Of course, that's our reality. But yeah, striving for a more joy-full and thank-full and Light-filled attitude is better than living in a self-created "grey" world.

February 27, 2013 at 11:36 AM

E. Smith said…

I agree that attitude towards what happens is very important. . it doesn't mean we don't have moments of "oh crap!", but that we start to replace those with something positive. The universe listens and answers.

February 27, 2013 at 4:30 PM

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said…

There is no question on my mind that what any if us projects out is reinforced and projected back at us. Think of encountering a coworker in a bad mood. That is something you sense from them and likely tip toe around them or ignore them, that could in turn make their mood worse. But if someone greets you with a cheery attitude and smile more likely a friendly diatribe would happen. It is our attitude about situations that helps or hinders us. Life can not be without highs and lows but it is how we project onto them.

February 27, 2013 at 4:31 PM

Old Kitty said…

Of course I've told you of my co-worker (I've worked with her now for 13 years!! She turned 50 last year) who never sees the point to coming to work and carries this aura of utter despair about what she sees as her daily drudgery to pay the rent! Her mantra is "what's the point of it all?" before she haunts the office with a look of someone who has swallowed a bag of bitter lemons topped up with chillies. Thirteen years!! Anyway I always answer her in my head (I'd never vocalise what I think to her as she'll totally take it the wrong way and may burst out crying instead) and my answer remains the same. There may be no point to it all so why bother asking and just enjoy the moment of starting a new day coming into work and not expecting the usual day to happen and revel in the tiny surprises that come along. And get paid for it too. I guess that sort of answer is too pithy for her but I find such thoughts are good enough to keep me going day in and day out. I don't ever expect my own drudgery to change but I like to think that while I'm doing the drudgery, I'm going to find pride in what I do and give my routine the best I can offer - the end results make me happy. It depends of course. Some days I just want to stay in my cave but then I get bored very easily so do the opposite just to shake things up for me a little. I guess it's the Gemini and Sagittarius in me -mixed with Cancer and I carry something most lethal and incompatible! Yes I do read my daily horoscopes so sue me! LOL!! Anyway! I am now rambling as I do.

Take care
x

February 27, 2013 at 4:47 PM

Saku said…

I have to agree that we approach life with an open mind, looking for the positive, then we see the little joys (like a cat purring as we pet them, or the full moon in the morning sky) that make life worthwhile.

Negativity simply breeds negativity...like you're annoying neighbours and their continual arguments. Too bad they can't find the joy as well.

It sounds to me (and I am not overstepping a boundary) that you've been experiencing a depression. I hope the sun shines in your life and you find the joy you are seeking!

Thanks for sharing,
Eileen

February 27, 2013 at 10:30 PM