Yehuda Lave, Spiritual Advisor and Counselor : get a load of this...and the brain is a powerful instrument and Sitka National Park

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

get a load of this...and the brain is a powerful instrument and Sitka National Park

Express Gratitude Rather Than Guilt

Some people tend to express guilt when others do things for them. You will hear them saying things like, "I feel guilty for having bothered you." "I am so sorry that I made you go out of your way." "I feel bad for having taken your time." "Please forgive me for your having to do this for me."

People who have this pattern are often sensitive people who don't want to cause others any distress or unpleasantness. At times they could use a boost to their self-image. By realizing that they have infinite value and worth because they are created in the image of the Almighty, they will increase their realization that they deserve the kindness and goodness that others do for them.

When someone goes out of their way to do something for you or helps you in any way, express gratitude rather than guilt. When you say, "I am so very grateful for all the effort you put into this," or "Thank you greatly for having done so much for me," you experience the positive energy of feelings of gratitude. And the person you are telling this to will experience positive energy for being appreciated.

Love Yehuda Lave

The brain is a powerful instrument. Ask it for 10 reasons to rob a bank and it will give them to you -- 1) It will be exciting 2) Think of all the good I can do with the money 3) They're insured ... Ask your brain for 10 reasons not to rob a bank and it will give them to you -- 1) It's wrong 2) You'll probably be caught 3) Your next girlfriend's name will be Bubba ... Knowing that the brain can justify almost any action, you must ask it "What is the right thing to do?" And often, it is still very worthwhile to ask a friend who doesn't have the same vested interests as you for his opinion. It helps to keep you objective.

We can use our brains to better our situation or make it worse. We all know people who can grab misery out of times of joy. A waiter once told me that sometimes he feels like asking some diners after their meal, "So, was anything OK?" We have the ability to look at the glass as half full or half empty -- although that often depends on whether you are pouring or drinking. We must use our brains to focus on the positive.