Being Well By Well Be-ing

As mentioned earlier this issue, Thanksgiving is a time that, ideally, is about all the qualities/feelings you see to the left. Yet, it is often a time where stress levels go up (along with waist lines), dread comes up, and a lot of you just end up going through the motions to “get through” the holiday (at least until you can get to the ski slopes).

It seems there should be a better way. Whatever that may be for you, you’ll most likely find it if you put your first focus on your own well-being (particularly, how you’re BE-ing in your life). You, in that state, are much more able to not only give thanks, but to give the best of who you are to those around you…and, that, after all, usually feels ecstatic inside, if you allow it to.

Well being means different things to different people. One thing I know, though, is we don’t “have” it unless we’re intending for it, focusing on it, putting attention on it, and really committing to it (kinda sounds like most things in life, doesn’t it?). If you are in any way Spiritually oriented, it also doesn’t hurt to throw in a prayer, chant, or mantra to bring in some Divine help. I want to share a Buddhist “reflection” (not sure they’d really call it a prayer, even though I use it that way) that I invite you to try out, to see if it could be of great comfort and practice for you to say each day for awhile. It will remind you that, contrary to your Ego’s general belief, life is actually not all about you. While the Ego can find that an affront to its sensibilities,
there’s an enormous relief of pressure and distress when you turn your attention to the well-being of others…it makes you more well.

You can say it to yourself every day to prime the pump for having a day that can be full of well-being. It also might not be a bad idea to say it for all others, as well, given we’re all in the same boat of wanting, desiring, and deserving well-being. It’s called “Reflection On Well-Being.”
May I abide in well-being
In freedom from affliction
In freedom from hostility
In freedom from ill-will
In freedom from anxiety
And may I maintain well-being in myself.
May everyone abide in well-being
In freedom from affliction
In freedom from hostility
In freedom from ill-will
In freedom from anxiety
And may they maintain well-being in themselves.
May all beings be released from all suffering
And may they not be parted from
The good fortune they have attained.
When they act upon intention
All being are the owners of their action
And inherit its results.
Their future is born from such action
Companion to such action
And its results will be their home.
All actions with intention,
Be they skillful or harmful,
Of such acts, they will be the heirs.

If you were to not only say this every day, but were to think of it, and invoke its sentiments, whenever you’re finding yourself irritated at your partner, one of your kids, or a family member, pay attention to what happens inside to the negative feelings and thoughts. It just may fill you with both relief and deeper love that can come from letting go of believing you’re responsible for how anyone else is feeling and/or doing, and embracing that you have the gift of blessing them for their experience and owning your own as an equal opportunity blessing.

Again, have a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter,joy, great food, and – above all – levels of connection that surpass what you normally allow yourself to experience. There could be no greater Thanksgiving gift for you.