How can I begin to shift the focus towards better feeling? One method that works reliably is recalling an account where things went well, a story that feels really good. We can review the tale in our imagination or find a listener to enjoy it along with us. Here is a juicy example:
In New England and New York Ashta relished viewing art exhibits. Weekly she took a look at whatever she could: galleries, museums, exhibits in public spaces and more.
What a passion she felt for modern art! Pieces with color, movement, texture and light fueled her deep inside. In her own creation process A had begun with oil pastels doing both landscapes and abstract creations. Then she dabbled in painting, did still life with flowers and kept going.
At the time of this account, artists worked in renovated mill buildings or old schools. Once a year these art communities held open studios events for public viewing. At such an event Ashta came upon a piece in a common area that excited and inspired her. Wow. With gusto, our heroine shot down to that person’s space to bask in more samples of this work she admired.
While there, another visitor appeared. To her astonishment A recognized a friend of her best friend’s family who chatted with animation with this discovered artist, Bev.
Later that day Ashta told her best friend about this encounter. “ Boy,” A shared, “ I would love to study with this person whose work I admire.” The best friend said, “Why not?”
The best friend called the family friend who then called Bev. In just a couple of days this talented artist had agreed to teach Ashta privately at a reasonable rate.
Professionally, Bev taught children art. She perceived adults not to grasp her lessons, seeing them as lacking the freedom to let themselves experiment and flow with impulse. In this case B got a gut feeling to make an exception and thus decided to take on A for lessons.
For three years Ashta enjoyed private sessions with Bev, painter and printmaker, where she learned the basics of acrylic painting. Our star began feeling good on her drive to these sessions and then relished every encounter including sitting for a cup of tea together at the end of the time together. A soaked up the information and also the confidence and affection Bev bestowed on her through that teaching.
In the years after moving on, Ashta kept in touch with Bev and brought samples of her work for critique. Bev’s feedback was positive and encouraging. After almost 20 years A reconnected with B and showed her current work. B felt delight to witness how Ashta had developed.
When A tells this story, she is filled again with gratitude and awe at the miracle of her time with Bev. A feels blessed by the serendipity that allowed her to meet Bev.
Ashta cooperated in her persisting, painting, studying, enjoying, on her path of creating.
When we tell a story that brings up both passion and good fortune, we focus on what we love and of what we want more. Our imagination is ignited, and we feel like we are there again.
Key Point: we can tell stories like this on purpose to light our own fire. Replaying these stories lifts us when we want to shift our focus.
Want to dive right in? Please comment with a story that you love to tell. Please inspire us with your enjoyment!
About the Author
Janet Pearlman is a spiritual teacher, counselor, healer and artist. In these posts composed of true stories, she inspires others to know themselves and compassionately to develop skills of empowerment. In her forty-five year journey of self-discovery, she has deeply studied the teachings of Abraham-Hicks, Ernest Holmes and more. Janet offers individual sessions by phone and in person. Please contact her at jpearl555@earthink.net to arrange an appointment.