Thunder: creating joy for overcoming obstacles

There is a weird phenomenon that occurs when we witness a thunderstorm. Initially, we start to notice and listen to the rain, then comes the unexpected lightning, and a bit of an instant shock runs through the mind and body. We become alert, heads up like a lemur, anticipating the loud sound of thunder, knowing it will follow.

The thing is, the lightning, which is created by opposite atmospheric charges connecting with each other, is what produces the loud thunder noise.  As lightning passes through the sky, it instantly heats the air, causing it to expand and say "boom."

We just do not hear it at the same time as lightning because sound waves travel slower than light waves. Therefore, in our perception, there is a lag; we notice the thunder sound after the lightning.

Our mind is hardwired to protect us and keep us safe. It wants us to be secure at all times and, much like an overbearing parent, has good intentions. Due to this, we become conditioned to consistently be on alert for the thunder, not knowing if or when it will come, but ready. 

This creates unrest within, as unknowingly, we live in a constant mild state of mini fear. It is very subtle, maybe not even noticed, yet there. What is lurking up next around the corner? This happened before, so it possibly will happen again…Bad things happen, so I must be prepared and on alert!

The mind is like a really fantastic football referee, always running up and down the field for us, just waiting to throw the flag at any moment. If our focus is on worrying, we are always going to get sacked in the game of life. How can we appreciate all the unlimited great moments right in front of us?

Maybe we are coming into our life from the wrong end zone. Life is already magnificent, and we are in charge of creating our greatest show on earth. Great things are happening to us every moment; we are always overcoming obstacles, but we are too busy choosing to see the perceived negatives, constantly waiting for the flag to be thrown.

This is living as if there is a cloud constantly looming overhead, like Pig-Pen from the Peanuts comics. How about just feeling great already? Start here, just feel great at this moment. One thought of gratitude right now can change our perception and create positive feelings.

Start by letting our mind know: we feel good, we are happy, and our reality will begin to shift directions. This is the default; positive thoughts create a positive life.

You see, it starts with our thoughts. Thoughts create our reality. We keep waiting for the thunder, yet forget it is not happening right now.

The anticipation and worry in our head are usually more profound and taxing than the true reality of the perceived event. Although life will pass out some crappy lemons, we are the masters at overcoming obstacles, we are always able to make some lemonade. Each moment we have the power to put on our rose-colored glasses and do our best to notice the positive in everything.

And yes, there is a positive in everything! Even if it is just a sliver, it is there.

Think of when we crack a door open slightly and the sun's rays start shining in; maybe it's just a sliver, yet over time, the door becomes more ajar, eventually blowing completely open, with the full sun illuminating our inner spaces.

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As the Buddha so lovingly reminds us,

"Every morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most."

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Every moment, even, is to realize our true potential. This is the state of our true being. Our conditioned mind wants us to close the door and go on lockdown to protect ourselves. But when that final thunder arrives, and we're living a life in subtle fear and unrest, where was our joy in this life? We are alive right now; every moment is a joy to rejoice in!

So just feel happy, even fake it till you make it. Start tuning in to the chatter inside and let it know life is joyous and happy. Begin to think thoughts of great positive living desires and recite them consistently in the moment. When we shift our mindset towards the reality we want, and tell ourselves we already have it, our internal world changes and begins creating this new life for us.

Let's become aware of the anticipation of thunder, redirect the mind with gratitude for something we have at this moment, and remind ourselves we are already happy. Subsequently, recite some short phrases for the life we desire, “I am happy and healthy,” for example.

By doing this, little by little, we internally shift, and our world floods with positive living. Even when the thunder does come, it is going to be OK. We don't have to wait in anticipation; we are free to live a joyous life right here, right now. No umbrella needed.

Cheers!

Kether

Spunky Mind

"Sometimes your joy is the

source of your smile,

but sometimes your smile

can be the source of your joy"

Thick Nhat Hanh