Instant Gratifications

Fast foods, instant messengers and web browsing, these and a lot more give us the necessary things we need – food, communication and information- immediately.

Technological improvements gave us another choice on how to live life. Of course, no one wants to get left behind with our old ways of living. We accepted change without question, embraced it, like we have no other choice.

After so many years of living on instant things, people have become impatient with life. Waiting for your food to be served is really annoying.Going to the library became very tasking. A few seconds of lag time is a drag. Everyone wants everything fast.

Recently, I find myself getting impatient with things I would normal not be impatient about. It feels like I have a lot of things to do but don’t have enough time for all of them. I had to stop and think about what I’m doing with my life. I ride the train to get to work quicker. I choose fast foods over properly cooked meals because I’m always pressed for time. Instant Messaging and online browsing are essential to my work.

I’ve always thought I’m the “old school” type of person. I like doing things the old- fashioned way. I’m not a big fan of change. Now, I realized I succumbed to these instant things more than I wanted to.

I miss the slow life. I miss waking up in the morning and lazing around the house. Sometimes, I even get the chance to watch and appreciate the rising sun. I miss looking at the stars and thinking of all the things I can do with life. Today, I feel like there’s a heavy metal ball chained at my foot and a time bomb tied around my wrist. I can’t go anywhere or do anything but work. I wake up everyday in a hurry to catch the next train. I sit at my station worrying about time passing by and my unfinished tasks for the day, then I hurry out after a long day’s work to catch the next train back home.

Change. It doesn’t sit well with me. I’m not against technological advancements or instant gratifications. I just don’t want to get used to them so much. I don’t want to think that I would cease to function if any of these things are taken away. I want to see and feel the natural beauty of life. I want to appreciate life more, without worrying about how much time is consumed from watching the sunset, reading a good book, or feeling the cool air on my face.

I want to have time for life.

The power of Forgiveness

When was the last time you forgave someone? It’s not a common word in our vocabulary. I wonder why! I ask myself, how often have I forgiven another or myself and let go of the negative thoughts. As I grow older, I see the value of forgiveness. In my emotional suitcase are many past hurts, misunderstandings, and archaic beliefs that are just weighing me down.

I have to put myself on an emotional diet and weigh in with forgiveness as my tool.

There are two different types of forgiveness: forgiving others and forgiving ourselves. Both are important in order to develop and increase compassion and love within us.

As I write about forgiveness, up come two distinct feelings. First, I can’t forgive someone’s behavior because my thoughts say he/she will continue it. Second, I feel my body respond favorably to the word ‘forgive’…letting go and releasing the tension that I hold within me. If I can quickly create two different reactions, I’m assuming that I have a choice on what I want to feel. I believe that we are the creators of our thoughts, which influence our feelings and actions.

Forgiveness doesn’t change what the person has done, but rather changes our reaction to the situation. Forgiveness isn’t about turning the other cheek. We can forgive another without forgiving the act. The same holds for our behavior. We can forgive ourselves when we have made a mistake and still own up to our actions.

Forgiveness is a self-love tool. We allow ourselves to release the toxicity within us that hinders our ability to live a healthy and meaningful life. This is powerful stuff.

I just heard yesterday…not even sure where…but it made sense to me. When you have a problem, find a solution and let go of complaining. Forgiveness creates the space for you to find the right solution. Holding on to bitterness, anger, sadness only affects your wellbeing and adds negative stress to your life. Negative emotions indicate that we need to do something to create change. Our inner guidance is telling us that we need to understand our feelings and take action to heal and support our wellbeing.

Is there someone in your life that you need to forgive? Do you need to forgive yourself?

If you want to release the tension and forgive others or yourself, and find that it is difficult, then find support. The most obvious support is traditional talking therapy. I’ve found Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) to be a great tool to releasing the tension within me and finding space in my heart to forgive others and myself. You can do this technique anytime and it doesn’t cost you anything. Check out www.emofree.com and download their free 87 page ‘how to’ to learn the technique of EFT.

Research is proving the power of forgiveness on our health and wellbeing. Forgiveness provides clarity and balances the physical, emotional and spiritual parts of our lives. Our inner balance influences others around us.

Do your own research, find out just how powerful ‘forgiveness’ is for you, others, your community and for the world. Start forgiving today.