Why think about what we think about?

Dear Why Team member,
 
Why think about what we think about?

​Inquire... it’s “the work” of a lifetime

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It may be hard to believe that we do not need anybody, or anything, at any time, or in any place, to be fully at peace and in joyful appreciation for “what is.” However, at the same time, we are also built to be in community with others. And when around others, comparisons arise.
So, beware the labels of good or bad or should-this or should-that. Consider choosing all the more, thoughts that love and lift yourself and others. Don’t make excuses for others and allow them to take advantage of your kindness but try all the more to understand their situation before acting.
 
One paradigm shift story that will stick with me forever is from Stephen Covey’s book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. He was in NY on a train on a quiet Sunday Morning when all of a sudden, at one of the stops, a father with two young children boarded. The father sat next to Stephen closing his eyes and being totally oblivious to his two rambunctious children who were disturbing everyone on the train. After a few minutes, Stephen tapped the father on the shoulder and asked him to please try to control the children’s behavior. The father, looking a bit hazy, responded, “I guess they are acting rather un-normal. We just came from the hospital where my wife died an hour ago, and neither them nor I know how to handle it.”
How would you respond to him?
Habit #5, from Covey’s 7 Habits, is Seek First to Understand.

Being patient with the thoughts and behaviors of others, is rarely easy, especially when they are contrary to our own internal rules.  Our personal rule-books guide our lives, and while they may assist others with their life, try to respect that ultimately others have their own path to walk.  Do not press upon the life of another the rules you press upon yourself. 
Don't push, lead. Lead by example.
Remember, leaders, go first.

Be quick to expel non-loving, non-accepting thoughts as though they were a thief in your house. Non-self-loving thoughts are the biggest thief. If we don’t love ourselves enough if our cup is not full, how can we love, aka serve, others. 
You can’t serve from an empty cup.
 
When joy has been stolen from you, know that it is always an inside job. No one can take from you what you can produce for yourself via the power of your own thoughts.  

“Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space, is our power to choose our response.  In our response lies our growth and our freedom" - Viktor Frankl (Auschwitz Survivor) Being glad and thankful in all things can seem absurd, but when we see how adversity grows us - should we not be thankful for it?!   
It is you that is believing and generating your thoughts based on your past experiences and current emotions, and often we have to look at the current experiences through new lenses. No one can make you think anything.  Don't allow thoughts such as scarcity invade your life. 

If you feel unable to choose different thoughts, then seek assistance, I did, and it changed my life, you could even say it saved my life.  I learned to recognize my own abundance; a necessary element to being a greater source of abundance. 
Here’s an author I read a few years ago who’s work is absolute Rocket Fuel: Her name is Byron Katie, and her book is titled "Loving What Is" (Here is a link to a booklet she provides that is the essence of "The Work.") She is a true transformational leader. As you know, when we become more, we become more for ourselves and for others.  Since our lives are the sum total of our thoughts, learning to question our thoughts is a must if we are to gain more understanding of ourselves and others.  I cannot recommend this book enough.  I have seen her work in action, often with miraculous results - 
simple steps anyone can follow - please check her out and start using what she calls THE WORK to elevate your thoughts, which you know of course will elevate your life.  
 
Expel the thief within your mind that steals your joy, keeping you from being the leader others need most. You have the power within you, to think differently, to believe differently and to become even more of what the world needs now.

Make it a great week,

Steve Luckenbach