If we could change ourselves

“If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. …We need not wait to see what others do,” –  Mahatma Gandhi

It is one thing to notice, comment and have opinions around what is going on in our home, community, country and the world. It is another to take action. I have personally taken many tracks including demonstrating, burying my head, complaining, and manipulation; none of which have had any lasting effect on the situation(s) of concern. To truly make a difference, one must be willing to live in alignment with what they desire to experience in the world.

Changing within begins with an awareness of what our beliefs are and what we would like to experience. We bring greater clarity through contemplation, setting an intention and then make the commitment to living in alignment with our clear intent. Then comes the practice…prayer work, affirmations, or other tools to support us in staying focused, as well as noticing our thoughts, words, actions and asking, “Am I in alignment with my intent?” Moving forward we continue to make the needed corrections to our course as they arise and we begin to live our intended change.

A friend recently pointed out the tediousness of practicing. I had never really thought of it that way…well, certainly it felt tedious to me as a child practicing piano or learning to write, but as an adult I believe I have avoided “tedious.” I would have to agree that the “practice” required in instituting change within our self could be considered tedious and yet, I believe that is possibly an “excuse” to discontinue when it seems to be difficult or doesn’t provide “instant gratification.”

To “be the change we wish to see in the world” requires stepping out, being authentic (or true) to our self. It calls for clarity, courage, inner strength and commitment while yielding fulfillment and an ever greater experience of aliveness.