As I paid for my morning latte, the friendly woman behind the counter told me, “Be careful out there.” I smiled at her, thanked her for her kindness, but truthfully, I was a little surprised. I wasn’t anticipating any danger, and actually had a peaceful morning planned. It took me until I reached my car, but I thought of a response I wanted to share with the barista. I wanted to tell her I didn’t feel like I needed to be careful, but I would be sure to be mindful as I made my way out into the world.
Worry Only Creates Things to Worry About
The brief exchange got me thinking about a friend I used to have. One time I was driving across country, and she was waiting for me at my final destination. She called me every couple of hundred miles and wanted to “check in.” Truthfully, her repeated phone calls got me flustered and I finally asked her why she kept calling me. Her response was, “because I’m worried. I just want to make sure you’re okay.”
This friend is the same friend who got sick several times each year, who knew more about breaking headlines than CNN, and who always had something or someone to gossip about. She had a kind heart, but was always anticipating something unfortunate or scary happening to her or those she cared about.
Consciously Choose Your Feelings and Thoughts
I’m an optimistic person by nature, I admit. I tend to be healthy and turn my ear away from negative talk, and I consciously choose a lighter feeling when my energy level gets low. I have unplugged from the television, and I quit my subscription to the daily newspaper. I consciously choose not to receive bad news, information about things I cannot change. Ignorance? I consider it a conscious choice to focus my energy on creating what I want in my life, rather than worrying, or being anxious about what might happen.
Take Risks
So as you go out into the world today, be mindful of your thoughts, your actions, your feelings. But don’t be careful. Don’t be too afraid or anxious to take emotional risks, or try something new. Don’t anticipate the negative things that might happen, or focus on the bad news. Choose to be conscious of your thoughts, emotions, and actions. Be mindful, but please don’t be careful.
Tags: anticipation · anxiety · be mindful · Manifesting · Positive Thinking7 Comments
7 responses so far ↓
It’s a little bit hard to understand about the statement “don’t be carefull but mindfull”. After thinking and meditating on that words I got an understanding that the message was about bringing awareness in life.
Any how, It’s a wonderfull site.
I Love it!
Short and powerful messages,
my million thanks accept.
Love your site! A kindred spirit to share with.
I’m one of the lucky ones. I had a diagnosis of Breast Cancer in 2000 and it changed my life forever. I treasure each day,each moment, as taught by Suzuki Roshi a Zen Master:
“Knowing life is short - enjoy it, day after day, moment after moment.”
When I awoke on the morning of my 50th birthday I had the best present that I could ever have - I was alive and well. It was enough. I know that I have all that I need - I just need reminding once in a while when I get complacent with life. Reading your article on taking risks has confirmed that I’m on the right track. Thanks! Stay mindful.
I love reading your insights. I have felt this desire to “unplug” or “tune out” from a worried world, myself. Especially these days, you hear of such stress from the price of oil and possible food shortages. This week instead of watching the news I have meditated. I gotta say… I have had a terrific week!
Thanks for this blog.
Many Blessings to you,
Janelle
Great post! Also remember: Act don’t, don’t react!
Being careful leads you to act anxiously and thus making you perceive the world around as bad, which most of the time never. Perhaps the best description for the world is nether good or bad (void). The perception that we have in mind shape the world as we go around. Every atom and molecule get filtered in the perception and is made the way they were perceived.
Being mindful or mindfulness, on the other hand, make you to be present at each and every moment. You know what is going around you and yet you do not judge. Every cell in your body is at that moment and you could feel the world as it is inside you or perhaps you are the world. That’s why every Zen/ Buddhist monk promote mindfulness.
Wow, don’t know how I got here, but this is serendipitous because here’s
my current spirit art post on worry ~ http://www.spiritart.us ! Well written. I follow the same principles. Although some think I’m living in the dark by not watching or reading “the news”. Thanks for the inspiration! You have a mindful day also. Wishing you abundance always, Sandy Sandy