We can only control change of anything via ourselves first First and foremost – let’s recognize, acknowledge, and accept that change is the only constant in the Universe. Given the opportunity, I would love to change the way the United States handles taxes, health care, education, the separation of church and state, and various other elements. The reality is that the only way I can do that in any way is to vote in elections, write and call representatives, attend protests, and share information to help spread empowering ideas. We have no power to change anyone other than ourselves. We can share ideas and influence people to choose to change themselves. But we can’t change them. When we turn our focus and attention towards the world at large and the big picture, we disempower ourselves. Be the change you wish to see Yeah, that line gets overused a lot. However, it’s the truth. Care to make a change? Make it. The problem here is perception. Often, when we decide to go ahead and make change – and start with ourselves – accusations of selfishness start to fly. Or at least, the perception of being selfish can come when we start working on or with change. Here’s the thing – we can only control our lives. Our selves. You and I have no power over anyone else. And to be honest – that’s more than enough power. I don’t want to be responsible or accountable for anyone else. Do you? We are empowered When we recognize and acknowledge that we can only change ourselves, we can work with that framework to change anything at all within our own life experiences. Knowing that we have that much power and control over our own lives, we can use this via mindfulness to take control of active work with change. This empowers us – but that makes us a beacon to help others empower themselves, too. This week’s Applied Guidance for Mindfulness Tool: Change is the one and only constant in the Universe. A great deal of change is utterly and completely outside of our control. But there are elements of change we can control. This week’s mindfulness tool is applied mindfulness to create a change. How does this work? 1. Be present, now. Ask yourself the questions that make you consciously aware of what you’re thinking, what and how you’re feeling, your intentions, and related actions you are taking. 2. Choose something simple you would like to change. Start with something tangible. For example: · Change toothpaste · Choose a different route when you take a routine trip · Order something different from your usual restaurant · Switch the music you normally listen to when doing a certain project · Read a book in a genre you have never chosen before 3. When what you have chosen to do is done, ask yourself again what you’re thinking, what and how you’re feeling, your intentions, and related actions you are taking. Then write it down. Why bother? Because this mindfulness tool shows an example of something you might take for granted that is utterly yours to control. And choosing such a thing to change opens the door to intangible and other possibilities for choosing what you change. Author Website: https://mjblehart.com Email: author@mjblehart.com Instagram Twitter Facebook Blogs: titaniumdon.com and mjblehart.medium.com Cover artist Fe Mahoney: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TaliasInspirations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices