Several years ago, there was a young woman whom I saw panhandling at a corner, and I could hardly believe she was there.  She was so young, lovely, and vibrant-like she could have her way with the world.  It struck me as odd for her to be there asking for money when she looked as "sparkly" as she did.  I don't know why she was there.  All I know is that over the next several weeks, I saw the life drain out of her.  It got me wondering what it would be like to be in that role all day, regardless of actual circumstance, whether homeless or doing it as a "job,"* --I'd think anyone would begin to feel desolate.
 
I believe state of mind becomes real.
 
(*There are some panhandling "rings" in cities that people participate in as employment.)
 
Experience of Reality
If thoughts and emotions create our experience of reality, then it is easy to see that whatever "role" we play during the day and whatever thoughts we're immersed in become real to us.  I wouldn't be surprised if the young, lovely, vibrant woman began to experience as reality everything she expressed in her role.  Who knows the impact that this had in conjunction with the varying levels of "feedback" from passersby.  I don't imagine she had any idea of what was at stake when she took up that corner.
 
By the same token, it's unlikely many of us contemplate the powerful impact of our thoughts.  We don't realize how easy it is to become our negative, limited thinking, and experience life as such.  If every day I think, "I hate my job," then increasingly so, I will.  If I dwell in "my husband drives me crazy--he never____and always____" then that is exactly the experience I create for myself and how I experience him/my job.  And then, I keep looking for more examples to prove all my negative beliefs true.  Voila, my version of reality takes shape.
 
There are innumerable misfortunate and ordinary people in the course of history who rose above their circumstance and conditioning, to live extraordinary lives.  So with love, I invite you to give up your circumstances and the beliefs that keep you stuck, and reach for a higher thought, one that best serves you.
 
The Comfort of Discomfort
Unfortunately we'd often rather sit in a discomfort that is familiar, than to risk unknown discomfort that might be worse.  This phenomenon alone, can keep us frozen for years--even a lifetime.  We make rigid rules ("I will never love again!") and hold grudges rather than risk being hurt again.  It seems easier to cling to the mindset, than to drop it and step into unchartered territory with new possibilities.
 
We must be willing to give up our attachment to the old, and to what is easy--to be willing to accept that it is time to let go of what is no longer working and all the excuses that go with it.  I'd be lying if I said it were easy.  Just as training a 7 month-old stray/shelter dog was a total pain in the rear, devoting hours to repeatedly break bad habits and constantly reinforce new ones (at times pushing me near the brink of insanity and surrender), it was SO worth it!  Eventually mindset shifts and sticks.
 
Please be courageous.  Be willing to expand your view of what you see possible for yourself and your life.  Venture to play new roles, hold a new mindset; start living the mindset as if it were true already. Had I held to an earlier mindset and not taken great risk, I would never have moved to Denver to begin a new life and career; I wouldn't be teaching yoga; I wouldn't have overcome the nausea to click "Send" for my Dynamic Living Newsletters.  I felt called to leap.  Do you?
 
Your new beginning need not be dramatic; however, I assure you it will be transformative.  Shifting even a single thought has exponential impact on you and those around you.  Imagine the results of me thinking, "I am stressed," all day.  If instead, I focus on, "I trust that I am guided" or "I release worry.  I am present", the impact is immense.  I feel and appear as a completely different person.  Resultantly, I experience life as completely new-it begins to match my thinking and vice versa.
 
A mindful life focused on uplifting beliefs is not always easy.  However, I have yet to meet someone who regrets the endeavor.
 
Be courageous starting today.  Bliss follows.
 
Happy Summer!
Robin