10.06.2007

Cleansing the "Colored Lens"

"Ordinary people and ordinary events have surprisingly little effect on our happiness and peace until we add our highly personal interpretation to what just happened. Once we do this, we become victims of our own perceptions and believe that what we ourselves are doing to the world, the world is doing to us."

It seems that this last bout of sickness has really pushed me to think about steps toward change. Change that brings about a healthier life style and a healthier Cory. I have been reading "The Little Book of Letting Go" as most of you know this is an area that I really struggle with.
How is it that our minds get stuffed with so many thoughts, so many voices from the past, so many regrets, fears, memories that we create roadblocks to happiness without even realizing it?
"Once we think a thought that thought becomes the lens through which we see the world. Of all the things out there, this thought determines what we select and what we overlook."
Today I take steps toward identifying those negative thoughts that color my lens and I take steps toward learning to "free" my mind.

7 comments:

Debbie said...

Cory, the quotes that you choose hit home for me as well. It takes great strength to let go of what happened in the past and move onto what the future might hold. It is sometimes the simplest things that are the most difficult to accomplish. You are a strong woman, mother, sister and friend. I hope that you are finding some peace and wellness these days. We hold you and your family in our hearts and prayers. May your load lighten each day and may your heart be lifted by all those who love you.

kimberly said...

As I grow in age, I am happy to wipe away some of those lenses that colored my perceptions of the past. I enjoy the new "views" I have from being where I am at. But know I will continue to need to "cleanse that colored lens".

Thank you for the thoughts....
ly sweetie

cassie said...

sometimes those simple actions are the hardest things to actually accomplish. cousin mark once told me something to this affect: with everything that happens in our lives, you need to find what your truth is out of that experience...what are you going to take out of that that is TRUE to you and allows you to positively grow in some way...and then, wipe the rest of it away. that talk with him really resonated with me. it is not easy to live that way, but as long as you are taking steps to find your truth and happiness in this world...you are doing a fantastic job. big gold star for everyone out there who is trying!

cassie said...

by the way, cory, i am really loving the quotes that you are posting. they are lessons and reminders to me each time i read them. thanks.

jessamyn said...

I love this book! It was one that became very tattered and worn from my thumbing through it so often in college! I think that the steps towards greater acceptance gives us the ability to spread our arms a bit wider and courageously embrace this life. Something that is constantly a lesson in this lifetime...our view is only ONE view...and it is best for all of us if we step back from the attachment with that view...and see life for the expansive experience it can be.
i hope you have a great time venturing through this book.

Simplicity Wins said...

Thanks for the reminder Cory, those are very wise words. Good luck on your new healthy way of life. Enjoy!

Jamie said...

I think of it almost as Spring cleaning of the mind and heart every once in a while. Get rid of the clutter. I think the hardest part is determining what the clutter is, forgiving it/yourself and moving on without looking back. It is the past...we can't change it, but we can ruin the future if we don't learn how to let it go. I hope you can find a way to release all that is cluttering your mind and find a place where peace and hope exist. I love you!