–James Oppenheim

The broken record repeats itself in search of what is not attainable. The human heart and spirit are guided by the fallacies and ignorances of what has our current attention. That familiar feeling of emptiness that every human experiences is often exiled instead of being befriended, which causes confusion in our search for external circumstances to save the day. Comparing ourselves to the outside world invites internal division and separation from our true nature.

We live in our minds before we live in our bodies. This suggests that what is placed into the imagination is always our choice. However, to understand anything, an intimate experience must be summoned from both sides of the situation so that understanding can guide us. An education in emotional energy is a prerequisite to raising one’s emotional I.Q., to avoid getting trapped in the suggestions of our feelings. Once the state of our integrity is compromised, the mind, body, and spirit are no longer whole again until we choose ourselves first again right where we are.

Having one foot in and one foot out in our commitments is not going to cut it; otherwise, we will eventually be on the fence and wonder what the grass looks and feels like on the other side. If a person’s own personal grass has never been tended to, what makes them think they can tend someone else’s? Having unwavering trust in the environment beneath your own feet is where the grass grows green first. We cannot be in two places at once, so make a choice where you want your feet to be. There is no wrong choice, but be aware that you will have to live with the decision you make and choose to keep moving forward.

The tedious process of the arduous road does not get traversed by most individuals because seeing the abundance of one’s harvest requires staying with their crop long enough for a plentiful yield. The process will require taking one step at a time, every single day, regardless of how one feels. Humans are master creators and designers. If this conversation is not to persist, it is imperative to prepare the earth for seed, perform preventative maintenance on the soil, keep out unwanted pests and traffic, and dedicate time and love to foster growth. Often, what we desire is right in front of us, but the desire of the flesh sometimes dominates the truth of the spirit.

“What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others.”

–Confucious

The conversation is the place where one lives and dwells, and cannot be escaped. Our greatest desires exist within us, but only when we can capture back the attention of our mind and the feelings of the heart, as they are always fleeting. Have courage and keep your feet firm for what you need to move through, because a prize awaits you on the other side of adversity. Asking profound questions creates quality conversations, and quality conversations help us to recognize ourselves again. Remember, there are two sides to what you are experiencing. Having patience, grace, and understanding will unlock new doors for you. Life is always conspiring in your favor, and never forget this.