State of Mind

The state of mind affects everything. In our world today, there are numerous distractions, events driving the state of our mind. We like or dislike the current political landscape. We like or dislike current events. We like or dislike the people in our life. We like or dislike our jobs. Our attitude impacts all of these circumstances in the same way that the spring rain showers nourish the soil and sun sparks growth of the perennials.

I have told the story countless times of my partner who rejoiced in a broken foothold on his project because it meant he could try the route more. Joy in the process overtook the frustration of a denied ascent. As I supervised isolation at a recent regional bouldering competition I witnessed the attitude of the competitors. The shades of sorrow, frustration, happiness, and empowerment with each rotation through the routes were evident on the faces of athletes. The external experience creating the internal experience. This internal experience seeding the next experience. 

This cycle can be continual and we are constantly influenced by the external environment. The work in our lives is to learn how to be the master of our emotions - our attitude. By being able to truly influence the attitude we bring to each situation is what brings us more joy, more happiness. 

Last month I had the opportunity to go to Joe's Valley. I have wanted to go there for years. And the time had come. But I hesitated. The thoughts of not being in great climbing shape, the intimidation of how I would be perceived were causing me to think twice about whether it would a good idea to go. These critical thoughts were trying to keep me, or at least my self perception safe from being challenged. 

There are so many pieces are enfolded in this experience. There are the fears how we will be perceived, whether we will become injured, whether we will be successful, can we afford the expense. All of these pieces are rooted in fear and our actions could very be rooted in a need to self protect. 

Consider... who do I want to be in this world? What do I want to bring to others and to each experience?
We live in a world which constantly tells us to measure what we are getting - to judge where we fit and what we need to be happy. How would your experience be different if you focused on what you give to life? To do this successful one must assume a few important things:

• I belong here.
• I am loved.
• I am enough.
• I choose what I love.

I want to be a person who brings light and support to those around me. To myself. My choices, my thoughts about my experience then must include seeing the light in all things around me.