Finding Value In All of It
(Dad's a Vietnam war veteran who worked as a blue collar union guy most of his life.)
He also had strong feelings about not shopping at Walmart or other places that were notorious for taking advantage of workers. Buy American, and don't support Walmart. That was his position.
So years ago when I was at his house and saw a shopping bag from Walmart, I was confused, because I thought Walmart was from the devil.
When I asked about it, he said something I still remind myself of to this day: "I don't hold anything against anyone any more."
That was a change of heart! Apparently his spiritual studies had led him to conclude that grudges weren't worth holding. It created a shift in his values.
I'm not saying he's a regular at the local Walmart these days, but he does have two Japanese cars in his garage. Just sayin'. ??
But I love the example he set about releasing judgement and criticism in favor of flowing acceptance and appreciation. I've sometimes used his words to coach myself into a softer stance when I noticed resistance afoot.
I heard Abraham say something similar: "When you come into alignment with who you are, you can find the value of everything you give your attention to. It is possible to extract value from everything; to see good in all things. It takes a little tuning, but Source does that, and you can, too."
In today's political, economic and environmental climates, I'm getting deep practice on this point. Even on a self-imposed news fast l still run across things that challenge my ability to accept and - gasp, even appreciate - things I used to not appreciate so much.
But if my dad can do it, I'm telling you - we are all capable! My dad shops at Walmart, for the love! Or at least, there appears to be evidence that he has. My boyfriend just pointed out to me that dad's Japanese cars may be manufactured or assembled in the U.S., but the point still stands ...
It's good for us to release the things we might otherwise get sticky about.
That doesn't mean we have to abandon what's important to us, but let's live what matters in a way that doesn't involve pushing against others. We can appreciate the diversity and freedom we each have to choose for ourselves, without making anyone else wrong for their choices.
It sounds easy in theory, and it can be easy to practice, too - when we do exactly that: practice! Especially as conscious creators who know that we each create our own reality, and that someone else's creation doesn't have to be ours if we don't focus it into being.
So here's to finding more ways to align with our ultimate truth of love and light, and in the process become even better matches to the realities we prefer.
Jeannette Maw is the Good Vibe Coach and official manifesting geek. Find more of her manifesting inspiration at Good Vibe Blog.