Leaving the Past Behind

It can be hard sometimes to let go of past hurts and I must admit I have had my share of them. The first repsonse of wanting to "get even" with someone who has done you wrong is a natural response so to think that you are the only person who feels this way.....don't beat yourself up about it.
     The idea of letting go and forgiving is not an old concept and of course many traditional organized religions talk about this concept many times. The problem arises when putting into practice what your head rationalizes is right but your heart does not follow.  I find that asking these questions a great help when finding myself wanting to retaliate:

1. What can I gain from my retaliation?
2. Am I willing to accept the consequences of my actions if I choose to go this route?
3. How important is keeping this negativity in my life beneficial to me?
4. What part did I play if any, that caused this situation to escalate to this level?

If you are honest with yourself when asking these questions, I know that the "truth" will reveal itself to you.

Enjoying the Silence

Self realization. That term can send shivers down even those who consider themselves mentally tough. To take an inventory of who you are inside can be quite difficult for that mirror tends to be harsh at times but if one sincerely wishes to become a better person in this life, it is counted as courageous resulting in the rebirth of a better person.
Take a moment out of your day without the television, radio, computer, etc. and focus inward. Become reacquainted with your internal self. It is true that no one knows you better than you and to change undesirable habits, thoughts and prejudices while having faith that once these demons are confronted they can be destroyed with honest and sincere intentions to becoming a better person.
Meditation is a great way to accomplish this because it not only quiets the mind of all day to day activities but it helps with focusing on the inward man who truly wishes to change.
Believe it or not, all the questions to how your life and your place in this world can be answered by looking within. Learn to embrace the silence and quiet your mind so that you can get the answers to reach your full potential and greatness.