Sometimes we as human beings self construct our own prisons around ourselves. Quite often that can happen when we feel there are limitations being put on our life. I’m guilty of this, as I currently feel that way about several things I’m still dealing with in my own life. My spiritual teacher has challenged me though to write about each of them and then produce an affirming statement that flip-flops myself out of each of those self-made prisons. So here goes…
- Prison One – The biggest prison I feel I’ve constructed around me is one related to having the physical health issues and limitations I’ve been enduring for the past four and a half years. There are so many things I miss doing in life because of these physical limitations such as hiking, biking, walking, running, various sports, going to amusement parks, etc.
- Flip-Flop One – I am learning how to appreciate my current state of physical health so that I will have plenty of gratitude when my Higher Power restores all of my physical health and I’m being fully physically active once again in every area of my life.
- Prison Two – The second prison I feel I’ve constructed around me has to do with the meditations I do daily. It’s been more than seven years since I was able to achieve reaching any of the deeper meditative states no matter how hard I try.
- Flip-Flop Two – I am learning how important it is to not escape what I’m feeling inside, especially when I’m feeling down and out, and I know that once I’ve fully learned that lesson my Higher Power will lead me into meditations that are deeper than anything I’ve ever experienced.
- Prison Three – A third prison I feel I’ve constructed around me has to do with my lack of close friendships in life. Sometimes I believe that no one really gets me and that’s why I don’t have any close friends. While I may know a number of people in this world on a casual basis, I definitely would like to have a few become deeply spiritual-based friends who treasure me in their life.
- Flip-Flop Three – I am learning how to have a best friendship with myself first so that I can truly appreciate my own company, as the more I do this, the more I’m able to be a great friend and show unconditional love towards each of the people my Higher Power will be sending into my life to become a life-long spiritual friend.
- Prison Four – The fourth and final prison I feel I’ve constructed around me has to do with my ongoing lack of employment. It’s been almost five years now since I parted ways with my last job, which was the bed and breakfast I used to own. Since then, I’ve continued to question what my Higher Power wants me to do for a living but I know it’s not to randomly just do anything.
- Flip-Flop Four – I am learning how to be more selfless and giving in life by working first on my recovery, my writing, and volunteering so that my Higher Power will be able to use me for the job I’ve always been meant to do, which is one I know will bring me great happiness and joy doing.
As I end this exercise, which really was one that channeled the power of positive thinking, I’ve decided to reshape things by stating that I’m not in any type of prisons at all. Instead, I think it’s best for me to say that my Higher Power has me in some temporary waiting areas that are all for the purpose of my spiritual growth. But you know what? I think my number is about to be called in each of these areas and I truly can’t wait to see what’s next!
Peace, love, light, and joy,
Andrew Arthur Dawson