Releasing From Mental Prisons (Part 7)

When I studied successful people, I realized they do not have less challenges than me. In fact, they have more negative experiences than me.

Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison for a crime that he did not commit. Subsequently, he became the President of South Africa and forgave his transgressors.

Oprah Winfrey lived through great poverty and considerable hardship during her childhood.

She was molested and raped at the age of nine. When she was 14, she became a single mother. You can imagine the challenges she had to go through in her life.

Today, she is one of the most prominent personalities in the media world and is an inspiration to thousands of people all over the world.

Thomas Edison had hearing problems since young. To supplement his income, he sold newspapers and candy on trains, and vegetables in the market.

He became one of the greatest inventors of all times. One of his many discoveries is the light bulb.

Without him, after sunset, we may still be living in darkness.

The list goes on.

These great leaders have gone through difficult times.

These experiences could have affected them emotionally and prevented them from making great achievements in life.

However, they overcame their challenges, mainly because they look at life from a different perspective. They also live in a multidimensional world.

Let me share with you how we can look at challenges from a multidimensional perspective.

Dimension of Time

When I am suffering emotionally from an experience, life may seem to be frozen in a capsule of pain and sorrow.

However, I can choose to ‘unfreeze’ it.

I ask myself, “How will this experience matter in 6 months time, 1 year time, 5 years time, and 20 years time?”

I may even stretch it further.

“How does it matter in 200 years time?

“How will it even matter from the perspective of eternity?”

Dimension of Space, Matter and Energy

When I compare my experience with everything that has happened before and whatever may happen after it; everything that existed, still exist, and will exist; and with the infinite expanse of whatever is out there – my experience becomes just a tiny speck. It becomes more manageable.

There are infinite possibilities of what can be done and should be done.

My negative experience does not have to cause my boat to sink and my life to crumble.

In fact, I can allow my mind to soar to the vast expanse of space, time, matter and energy, and then when I look back at my experience – it may be easier to bury it in the past.

I can also turn it into a great learning experience so as to transform my life and make it a wonderful memory to share with others.

Dimension of Respected Leaders

When I look at my issues and ask myself, “How will ___________________ (Someone I love, admire, respect, and look up to) feel and think about it? What will he/she say to me about it?

I can ‘feel’ the response – in all its inspirational love, warmth, and compassion.

It may also awaken me to the fact that there are many people out there who do love and care for me. They will reach out to me across any barrier if they can.

They will help me sieve out the good from the bad and the ugly.

They give me strength to break the shackles in my mind and release me from the bondages of my emotion.

Dimension of All the Challenges in the World

When I thought about all the challenges in the world, what is my challenge in comparison to ones faced by others?

More specifically, I thought about the challenges faced by the poor, the weak, the needy, and the disadvantaged. My challenges will then take on a different perspective.

I will ask myself, how can I focus on my needs literally in the comfort of my bed when there are people dying on the street?

How does it matter when there are many decisions that can be made to save the planet, protect the environment, help a fellow human suffering in pain, save an animal that is crying in a cage, help to free prisoners for crimes they did not commit, respond to a natural crisis…?

When I thought about all the challenges out there, I will put mine in proper perspective. I may lend my mind and hands to help others resolve their challenges. Paradoxically, in so doing, I create solutions for my own challenges.

Dimension of All the Good That Exist

When I shifted the focus from my challenge to all the beauty, the wonder, and the goodness around me, my mind will gradually be lifted up. My emotions will go through a positive shower.

Why should I let one negative experience hold me back from enjoying positive experiences? Why should it prevent me from enjoying my life?

There is so much good out there that can overwhelm my personal issues. It can drown my challenges and cause it to disappear from my view and the horizons of my life. I will feel more committed and confident to resolve my challenges.

Dimension of Our Creator

When I live in awe over the wonder and beauty that our Creator has placed in the wide expanse of the Universe, I can only feel a sense of praise and worship.

And to know that He loves me – unconditionally and eternally – can only fill my heart with a deep sense of gratefulness and thanksgiving.

I am inspired by the fact that He has a great blueprint for my life – and that everything that has happened, happened for a reason, purpose, meaning and significance.

He stands by me to turn every negative experience into an experience for emotional  and spiritual growth.

Our Creator is my Source of love, hope and comfort. With Him as my strength and guide, it gives me a sense of peace and calmness. It reassures me of my self-worth and value.

I cannot help but feel empowered to rise up from my current situation and not allow myself to be pulled down.

I can better respond to any negative experience and turn it into a channel for growth experience and valuable feedback.

It can be a tremendous platform for me to improve my life and to lay claim on the dreams that He has designed for me.

Go4It!

I hope this message will find a place in your heart.

By the way, I have also recorded other reflections.

Please go to ‘Notes’ found below my profile picture.

Visit my Transformation blog at http://hsrpatrickliew.wordpress.com

Visit my Inspiration blog at http://liewinspiration.wordpress.com

Please read them and continue to teach me.

Life is FUNtastic!

 

Question: How can we turn negative experiences to positive ones?