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So often we spend our time living for tomorrow, eagerly seeking results that can only come with the slow buildup of consistent effort. Especially in regard to our own personal transformation, we forget that building new ways of being does not come quickly or with ease. A sturdy temple of peace with a strong foundation that can withstand storms does not appear overnight.
Our anticipation of the future gets in the way of our awareness of the present. A mind that is half in the future is partially consumed in a dream— a dream that can only become real through honoring what is in front of us in the here and now.
Every breath we take happens in the present. Every advancement in our growth happens in the present. The wisdom that comes through feeling the truth of nature can only accumulate within us through our observation of the present. Even when we rightfully examine the past or plan for the future, the helpful information we receive and integrate arrives to us in the present.
When we set our goals, we set the stage for growth. From then on, in the moments that pass, we take opportunities to align our actions in a way that steers us in the direction of our aspirations. But if we do not honor and appreciate every small victory, if we do not feel gratitude for acting in the way that supports our transformation, then we will lack the practice to fully appreciate the accomplishment of our bigger goals.
Remember, always craving specific results is a form of bondage that not only limits our progress but reinforces our inability to feel gratitude. The opposite of craving more is a gratitude that says yes and thank you to the present.
practice the strengths of earth have a giving nature be grounded in your purpose hold firm in times of turbulence cultivate the qualities of water move through life with gentleness have access to your power at all times flexibility and persistence increase success embody the teachings of fire transmute what you experience into light be strong enough to have clear boundaries have an awareness of when you need more fuel internalize the values of air release your expectations embrace the constant movement of change seeing is not everything, feeling is essential (balance)
Both the essay and the poem are excerpts from Clarity & Connection, which is 33% off on Amazon.
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