Building Inspiring Moments

It is not uncommon to start the day with meandering thoughts of the daily grind - the boss we cannot stand, the co-worker who belittles us, the high pile of bills we need to pay. On many mornings, we wake up with troubling thoughts. Our first thoughts are not inspiring or encouraging ones.

Why not make it a resolution to wake up inspired? Easier said than done. But it makes a big difference in how we create the events of the day. Change that alarm to music. Instead of waking up to the sound of panic, change it to jazz, classical, or whatever music inspires you. Wake up just a few minutes earlier: to enjoy the sunrise, to give that puppy some loving, to luxuriate over that morning cup of coffee, to read a few words from your favorite inspirational book. Start your day by nurturing your spirit.

Before you face the daily grind, gear up for inspiration. Remind yourself to smile, to do something nice for others, to do something nice for yourself.

Make each encounter of the day a Mahal Spirit encounter.
Do we have to call customer service for our phone bill or electric bill? I know this can be challenging at times - the long hold, the inexperienced representative, not a pleasant task! While we are on hold, let's remind ourselves that courtesy goes a long way. Put a smile on your face (yes, it can be heard across the phone line), say "How are you today?", don't forget, "Please" and "Thank You". Not only will you be spreading joy around, you will get better help. And the caller after you will get better help.

At work, spread some love around. Humor and helping each other makes the day go happier. Sharing a little snack - bring in some doughnuts, make the coffee. Have we been so intense with living the dog-eat-dog world that we have forgotten how to be kind? We talk of the dog-eat-dog world. Yet, even dogs are kind to each other. For instance, there was Joy (our 7 year old dog who had passed on a few years ago), Bambi (she was 3 at the time), and Pogo (who was 2). They knew what team work was all about. They each had their designated roles and created an awesome team. Pogo picked persimmons off the tree and shared with Joy and Bambi. Bambi cracked the macadamia nuts for Pogo and Joy. Joy was older and was sick, she smiled at them as they shared the pickings. The Mahal Spirit.

When we are tempted to yell at our kids for not doing the laundry or cleaning up their rooms, count to ten, take a deep breathe, and remember to love their spirits. They love you and want to please you. But it is easier to love you when you discipline with the Mahal Spirit. Bring out the best in them by believing the best in them. Encourage the good and lovingly correct.
When we are tempted to be rude, short-tempered, and negative, it takes conscious efforts to treat each other with the Mahal Spirit. But by reminding ourselves that life is so much easier and grand when we spread goodness and kindness.
Have a great "Mahal Spirit" day today!