How to Get What You Want

"We always are meditating on something. Most people meditate on the problem."
And where our minds go, so we go. It can be a bumpy ride. Would you like it to be smoother?

Practicing compassion with ourselves and others and holding a clear intention of what we want can smooth out the bumps and take us to unexpected good things. The key word, I've learned, is "practice": as in be consistent, which I'm working on. Also keep in mind that what you need may look different than what you imagine.

I'm recovering from post-concussion syndrome plus my knees hurt, and it's been depressing not being able to live my more active life. Plus it's February in Portland, Oregon--dreary, dark, low clouds and cold. So, while I'm doing the work of healing, I'm putting my intention on getting more joy into my life.

Today I went to a class that gives me joy, "Drawing in the Art Museum," only to find no class.  I waited a long time by the photo exhibit where we were to meet. It was about the Holocaust. I tried to reach my instructor and the college. Nada. I was forlorn. I wandered around the museum and then sat down to draw. By the time I was finished I felt better.
With time to spend, I let my car meander back across town and stopped at a coffee shop I rarely go to. It's a cheerful place. My phone was almost dead, so I couldn't distract myself with Facebook. As I left, I realized I'd parked near a resale clothing store. I love finding treasures to wear that others are done with--unique pieces of clothing that resonate with my vibrance.  
Now, in this particular store I never find yummy clothing, but I wasn't ready to go home yet, so I wandered for a while. I saw a shirt. Rich, deep olive green suede-like, shot through with lime green creases. It was woven in strips and some strips had streaks of soft pink and others of baby blue. So much texture! Such a fun play of color! It cost more than my usual, but I wouldn't leave without it. 

When I got home there was a voice message on my land line from the day before that I hadn't listened to. It was someone from the college saying the class had been cancelled and an email sent (which I never received--I'd been having trouble with my address dropping emails).

I'm so thankful that I hadn't heard that message!
If I had, I wouldn't have heard the amazing story of the photo exhibit we were to draw on its very last day here. I wouldn't have practiced drawing in the beauty of the Art Museum. I wouldn't have stopped at just this place to have a cuppa and enjoy the atmosphere. I wouldn't have been feeling this physical lightness and joy in my heart that wearing this shirt has brought. The funny thing is that I can't see myself in it. And yet, there it is: that lightness! 

​So consider what you want. Write it down. Look at it often. Practice compassion and see your want getting clearer. Then open yourself to the unexpected. Who knows how far you can go!

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