Experiencing Joy In Any Occurrence

on Nov 20 in News by moretolife

Hello my friends,

I took a More To Life Weekend Long Focus Course called The Art of Joyful Living the weekend of November 11-13, 2011. The course was about seeing enjoyment in any occurrence – even those that one deems to be bad or unwanted. I had an opportunity to practice the Enjoyment Process that we learned immediately following the end of the course Sunday night! When I went to my car, my rear window was broken out and my backpack was stolen.

While I experienced the anger and frustration waiting for the police, it occurred to me that that was the perfect opportunity to really GET the effectiveness of the process we learned. So I went through the denial into coping and on up to accepting, choosing, even relishing the event. It still seems hard to call it JOY, however, I totally understand what this process offers.

I’m not hurt, my car wasn’t stolen, they fixed the window at my office the next day, I had an immediate opportunity to practice the process, I’m blessed. I don’t like that it happened, but I really like that I have a tool to stay present to what is important in life and to my gratitude for all that I have.

The reasons I mentioned above were why I ended up not remaining ‘MAD!’ In fact, I sometimes feel a little silly or embarrassed about not being “upset” about it when I tell others (non-MTL students in particular)!

I’m thinking that criminal act really ‘set’ in place my understanding of what the course was about and why it was important. If I can live in reality and willingness as opposed to denial and especially omnipotence, what a better place to be for the rest of my life. I’m so grateful I got it!!!

With Love & Joy,

Valerie Burson

 

P.S.  Here is Carter making the most of any situation.  He was blindfolded to see how he can find his joy even in the dark.