The Blessing Of Contrast

 by Donna May

Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently. Henry Ford

Have you ever noticed that we appreciate the sun so much more after a few days of cloudy weather? In the same way, water and electricity is more precious to us after enduring the hardships of a power failure. An illness or an injury can make us appreciate those times when we feel well and our bodies move with ease. Through unwanted experiences, we gain clarity and become aware of what is most important to us. We can create anew.

Life provides countless contrasting experiences in every person’s life. They are there to help us define what we want to create in our lives. The problem is that most of us spend more time thinking about what we don’t want than putting our attention on what we do want. Let’s take the issue of prosperity for example.

If you have more expenses than income, it is easy to dwell on the lack of money. Since what you focus on, expands, thinking about not having money, will create more lack. It is important to use your creative imagination to fantasize and feel wealthy and abundant. The mind can’t tell the difference between what is real and what is vividly imagined. Positive affirmations can be effective if they trigger the feeling of being prosperous. It is through our feelings that we attract circumstances to us. Also pay attention to what actions you are inspired to take that will move you closer to your goal.

Suppose you get on the scale or look in the mirror and notice that your body is heavier than you would like it to be. That is the contrasting experience. Your job now is to give more thoughts to how you want your body to look. Put a picture on the refrigerator or your bedroom mirror, that represents how you want to look. When you look at the picture, don’t dwell on the fact that you don’t look that way now. Imagine that you do and focus your thoughts on being your ideal weight. What foods will bring you closer to that goal? What activities will help you achieve that goal? How will you feel being slim, toned and flexible?

Perhaps you have been without a relationship for awhile. That is your contrasting experience. Now may be the time to get clear on what type of relationship you would like to have. What would your ideal partner look like? What traits and characteristics would he or she have? What values would the person hold? Also, what if any changes would you need to make to attract such a person into your life? Use the power of your imagination to see, hear and feel what it would be like to have the relationship you want. Give more attention to the fantasy than you do to the reality you are temporarily experiencing without a partner. Know that the right person is on the way and anticipate the pleasure. In fact, feel how you will feel when you are in the desired relationship. Whenever you feel a sense of lack, stop, cancel and start again. Fantasize what you do want! If you have an intuition to go to a certain place, honor that hunch. It may be leading you to your future partner.

You may be a person who is experiencing a health challenge. When something hurts or you are feeling poorly, it is difficult to notice what parts of your body are in working order. Yet, doing so is important. If one toe hurts, it is hard to become aware that the other nine are feeling fine. Try, if you can, to remember and be aware of all the things in your body that are healthy and working well. Thank your healthy cells for all they are doing for you. Remember to be thankful for your eyes, ears, skin, mouth, tongue, lungs, heart, brain, muscles, nerves, glands and every other part of you that is functioning well and has for so many years. Whatever you give your attention to will expand in your life. Ask the part that is ill or injured what it needs and listen for the answer. Is your intuition urging you to take some action or treatment? Remember to touch the troubled part in a loving way, sending love from your heart through your hands into the body part that is offering the contrasting experience. Be aware of what you don’t want, but try to give more thoughts and attention to what you want to experience, like health and well-being.

If you are a person who needs a job or a new work situation, know that you are experiencing a contrasting experience. Now get clear on what you do want. What kind of work situation do you want? Would you be working alone, independently or with people near? How would you be dressed? What service or product are you involved with? What good feelings would you be experiencing. Imagine feeling that way now. Make it so real that your mind believes it to be an actual experience. Do this visualization often, knowing that thoughts and feelings do draw matching experiences to us. Remember to think more of what you want, than you do of what you lack. Thinking of lack will bring you more lack. Get into the feeling of having your goals met.

Contrast is a good thing. It gives us feedback, clarity and motivates us to move in a new direction to create what we want. So, what is contrast showing you? Now that you know what you don’t want, put most of your attention on your goal, take the actions that are necessary and trust that what you desire is on its way. The Universe will handle the details.

Donna May MA Ed, is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Stress Management, Pain Relief Specialist, practitioner of NLP, Reiki and Yuen Energetics. She utilizes spiritual principles and “A Course in Miracles” teachings. Available for classes, public presentations or private consultations. (248) 626-4859 or DonnaMay27@comcast.net.