Buckled Down; Higher Ground

Between yesterday and today, my family and I have moved things up from the ground level in anticipation of flooding. As you see in the picture, we elevated my dinner table and placed items on top of it. We, also secured all loose items that we had outside. I was thinking, this an interesting metaphor for life as I seek higher levels spiritually.

Furthermore, I have secured my belief in my Lord Jesus Christ and God. I have buckled down all my loose emotions like fear and grounded them in love and joy. How are you moving yourself to a higher level and securing your beliefs?

 

Anticipation

Anticipation. Is it a positive or negative emotion? Well, I suppose it depends on how the word anticipation is used because anticipation generally conveys an act of looking ahead or forward with delightful expectation. Anticipation is also a visualization of a future event or state of being. This is also a benign definition. Anticipation, or being enthusiastic, is an emotion or feeling that involves delight, pleasure, excitement, but at times a small amount of anxiety (tension, worry, fearful concern, or uneasiness) can be associated with it when considering an expected  event. So, anticipation can be negative if the expected event is not necessarily desirable such as a visit to a doctor or dentist.

Let us focus on the positiveness of anticipation like a brand new year. A new year brings with it a clean slate of time, a whole 366 days unscathed with events, good or bad. Yes, 366 days instead of our standard 365 days because 2012 is a leap year. We get an extra day. That is exciting, is it not? Of course, we have to wait until February 29. Anticipation, enthusiasm, looking ahead…do those in any way take away from now? Does it take away from being in the moment? I suppose it could especially if you are anticipating something neutral or negative like a doctor’s appointment or tax day? Hey, but we get that extra day in February, right?

Looking ahead with enthusiasm can be enriching as you live in the moment because right now you can see yourself in a state of bliss doing any future event or activity as you choose, like vacationing on a beach of your choice or having your book accepted by a renowned publishing house. Do we not live in anticipation of each new moment? Or do we dread the next moment? I propose that is totally up to you. For me I look forward to each and every moment where I can choose to do and feel whatever I choose. Why not anticipate? Anticipate the joy of the next moment as you enjoy this moment…and this moment….and this moment. It does go on and on does it not?

Anticipation can be fun. I propose that even those future events in our lives that seem less positive can be visualized with joy. For example, anticipating a session with the dentist can be visualized as seeing yourself with a clean, bright smile with minimal amount of probing and prodding because you followed through everyday (hopefully after each meal and before bedtime) taking care of your teeth that is brushing and flossing with enthusiasm in anticipation of going to the dentist so your appointment would be more pleasurable. Hey, how amazing is that? Do you see how your anticipation prepares you and guides your actions? You can do things now that will influence and create your anticipated future. Happy anticipating 2012!