So what’s the goal, really? What is this “positivity” stuff really all about? Does it mean I want to be happier? Well, yes. Who could not want more happiness! But there’s more to it than that.
Happiness is sort of like life’s candy. It’s a sweet treat, and sometimes a whole bowl of ice cream. But it’s not the only taste we ever want to have. We want it all. All the good stuff, and if we’re honest, some of the bad, too, to make it all real. We want it all. That’s the bottom line: we want it all.
Fully Awake, Fully Alive
We want to be alive in our lives, feeling the exquisite, raw, unfiltered reality of every single moment, sucking the juice of it, letting it trickle stickily down our chins. We want to be sensual and responsive, aware, bringing our presence to the game, experiencing every facet of life with as much openness as we can muster. We want to be awake, awed, connected, fluid and flowing.
And for me, that’s what positive living is truly all about: being fully awake, fully alive, and fully open; being alert to new possibilities for expansion and expression, and possessed of a spirit that propels you fearlessly into the heights and depths and breadth of it all. It’s about immersing yourself in what I call the Grand Yes to life, and letting it become your signature song.
“Awake. Alert. Alive. Enthusiastic.” That’s my motto and mantra. It’s what’s driving things here at PLN. Everything else is just a description of paths for getting there, for being there more deeply, for staying there most of the time. And I’m delighted to have you as a companion on the journey. It wouldn’t be nearly as juicy without you.
Be Happy!
I’ve been seeing this message over and over again during the past several months. My reticular attention is serving me well. “Look, there it is AGAIN!” Sort of like when you decide to buy a new car; suddenly you see your choice EVERYWHERE!
Recently I saw a video where one of my favorite reads, Abraham Hicks summed up ‘their’ body of 25+ years of work in these two words, “Be happy”.
You get to pick how.
You get to pick when.
You even get to pick your own level of intensity.
Laugh. Hysterically. If you want to.
Just remember that happiness doesn’t only mean ‘ha-ha’ uproarious laughter 24-7-365. There’s nothing particular ‘funny’ about sitting on a quiet porch at dusk, watching the sun set. The love of your life is beside you, neither one of you wanting – or having to – say a word. Still, the connection between the two of you is very real and it’s far better than any other ‘intimate moment’ you can recall.
Perhaps a fuzzy little critter is nestled in your lap – you feel the purr as you gently stroke its fur. Your eyes meet and you understand completely what this tiny creature is conveying. With a deep, satisfying sigh you nod your head in agreement, “Yes… THANK YOU!”
I’m always astounded at how easily and automatically my six-year-old daughter’s hand finds mine when we’re out for a walk. We could be alone in the woods or in a crowded mall. All I have to do is put my hand down by my side and there it is. Her tiny hand feels perfect in mine.
The thing is, NONE of these events actually happened in the past few minutes as I tapped out this message to share with you. Yet, just thinking about them brought me every bit as much happiness as if I was there.
And therein lies THE SECRET!
For a moment, I WAS there.
I got to pick how.
I got to pick when.
I even got to pick my own level of intensity. Oh, I have to tell you, I was VERY happy.
But enough about my own happiness. What about yours?
All the best from Toronto,
Russ
Love, serenity, satisfaction, savoring . . . You pack the richness of these positive emotions into your stories, Russ. Thanks for sharing the beauty of them with us. It’s such a treat to feel the world through your open, welcoming heart.