Are you ready?
You’ve probably heard it all your life—when the student is ready the teacher appears. It is simply another angle on The Law of Attraction which dictates that you get more of what you focus on.
One way we attract what we want is by asking questions. Sometimes we are overt about it through prayer or entreaties: “Show me the way,” or “How do I fix this?” At other times our questions are implied. We look at something that is not what we want and it generates within us an inarticulate plea for a solution. We most often receive the answers from teachers: a book, a TV program, someone you hear on the radio or from the mouth of a five-year-old child.
That’s what happened to my friend Michelle. Deep in the throes of starting a new business, she has been wrestling with trying to raise funds in the current economy. She remains upbeat, continually seeking solutions but there is understandable concern beneath the optimism. Has her luck run out? One particularly challenging day she said to one of her five-year-old twins. “I’m so lucky to have you.” Her daughter London looked up, wide-eyed and replied, “No, Mommy. You’re not lucky. You’re blessed!”
Envision one of those cartoons in which a character gets bonked on the head by a large hammer. That was the impact of London’s words on her mother. Michelle knew in that moment that she had been given the answer: her luck had not run out. Whether or not she has success in her business she is, indeed, blessed. Her answer came from a pint-sized teacher.
These are challenging times. The economy’s impact on our lives can render us frozen with fear or it can open up opportunities for major growth, if we allow it.
One important way we can grow is to learn how to soothe ourselves in the face of circumstances that trigger worry. This is important because, in a world where you get more of what you focus on, obsessing about what is worrying you will not produce the answers you seek.
I had such a day yesterday. I was filled with fear and worried about money. Sensitive to the message behind my negative feelings, I knew I had to find a way to soothe myself. Before I continue this story, it’s important for you to know that I have great difficulty asking for help (perhaps you can relate?). It was significant then that I called a friend and asked if he could come over for dinner to help me work through what I was feeling. Interestingly, the moment I hung up the phone after extending the invitation, I felt a surge of energy and got more accomplished in two hours than I had all day. So I already had one answer: ask for help! When I did, it caused a shift in my focus from the problem to the solution. By the time he arrived, I was ready to heal and working together, we were able to further shift my focus, resulting in a flood of self-confidence. This student was ready and my teacher appeared.
Another opportunity for growth is to learn that we can be happy despite problems. In fact, when we devote ourselves to doing whatever it takes to feel good, our problems morph into mere circumstances. It takes discipline but it’s not hard work. It actually takes much more work to be negative than positive. Think about it. When you’re in a down mood, aren’t you exhausted? Don’t you feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? Aren’t your feet difficult to move? Now think of what it feels like when you’re in a good mood. You have a spring in your step and a song in your heart.
Ironically, once you make it a habit to be happy, the Law of Attraction does its thing and sends more circumstances that match how good you feel. As you become more “attractive,” you are much more likely to land the job you need, the mate you want or whatever it is you seek, and faster!
Are you ready? If so, look around. Your teachers are there with solutions, just waiting for you to notice them.
