We’re all going to die, all of us, what a circus! That alone should make us love each other, but it doesn’t. We are terrorized and flattened by trivialities, we are eaten up by nothing.- Charles Bukowski
It’s Easter Sunday today, a time of resurrection and rebirth. To many, the day has strong religious significance. But, it also is a rebirth for the flowers and the earth as spring awakens from an unusually long winter this year.
I was refelecting on these ideas today and, I thought, why not take it one step further. Why not let today be our own personal rebirth, where we finally let go of the past and live in the present moment. The past is really just a construct we are all holding onto in our minds. It’s similar to listening to a song you really don’t like on the radio. If you do nothing, you’ll be unhappy; however, if you simply change the channel, you may find something you love. So, change the channel.
Is there a fear you’ve been unwilling to face. Ask yourself, what’s the worst that could happen and then try! On the other side of fear is often great joy, excitement, and a new freedom. Just as a snake sheds its skin, let today be a day of transformation.
Are there people you can’t forgive? Forgive them for yourself. Don’t hold onto the bitterness and let it fester inside you. No one says you have to spend time with them or even communicate with them. Do it because you love yourself.
I had a very wise teacher who taught me that you can’t change the moment, but, you really can change your reaction to it. No one says this will be easy, and, in fact, there are times when it’s near impossible. However, the more you can do this, the happier you become. Sometimes, it is as simple as flicking a switch and choosing to be happy when your mind is stuck in old habits.
In regards to Bukowski’s quote above: So often we let relatively minor or trivial slights ruin our day. When I look at these annoyances in light of the big picture, I wonder what got me so bent out of shape. And, the more I do this, the less these petty irritations get to me, and the more time I have to enjoy my life.
Soon, I find they barely scratch the surface of my well-being. So, on this day of rebirth, I choose to be happy, I choose joy over sadness, hope over fear. And, I’m okay to just let things be.
Happy Easter everyone!