“How shall I experience my oneness with creation?”
“By listening,” said the Master.
“And how am I to listen?”
“Become an ear that gives heed to every single thing the universe is saying. The moment you hear something you yourself are saying, stop.”
Anthony de Mello
Today’s liturgy read from the gospel of Saint Luke, the story of Martha and Mary. It is a 
well known tale. Jesus arrives in the house of his friends after a long journey. Martha is bothered, gets stressed and loses her calm as she prepares something for him to eat. She complains that Mary is not helping but Jesus states that Mary has chosen the better part – the better way of being – by simply sitting with him and listening. It is frequently used to argue for the superiority of reflection over action; I think it is better understood as a priority in the cultivation of aspects of ourseves, both of which are necessary.
However, it also points to another teaching, namely one on being present. One of the greatest gifts we can all experience – and it seemed to have been true for Jesus also – is knowing that another person is fully tuned into us. Sometimes we have to learn the art of being still so as to better support another person. In this story, the greatest gift that Mary could offer was not to be useful, but to be present. When we are lucky enough to have that connection with someone who is there for us, who really listens – who instinctively senses deep down how we are – then we are truly blessed.
Most people think of love as a feeling, but love is not so much a feeling as a way of being present.
David Richo
We… anticipate what’s to come,
then ignore what’s actually here.
Stephen Rechtschaffen
The best way to boost positivity, according to Barbara Fredrickson Ph.D, researcher and author of Positivity, is to live in the moment.
If you can be present to what you are experiencing right now – whether you are having breakfast, walking the dog, mowing the lawn, driving the car or attending a meeting – you’ll significantly increase your chances of feeling positive. “ Our interpretations of our immediate circumstances define our emotions” she says “and we have a lot more choice about those interpretations than we give ourselves credit for”. Turn our focus to the now ( for example, reading this blog post, working at your desk) and you will have less space in your head for negative thoughts. In addition, you’ll feel more grounded and creative when tackling the many challenges that the day offers.
Allow yourself to be Bored
Summer sometimes marks a change from our usual routines. And even though we may 
have been looking forward to it, we can sometimes find that we have the thought “I am bored”. To most of us boredom feels uncomfortable and we try to avoid it. We immediately believe the thought and then ask ourselves “what else can I do?” and our head plans and looks for a different activity. This summer, try to notice when you are feeling bored and just sit with it. Boredom is one of the more interesting thoughts to work with. It tries to draw us away from this moment by suggesting that our lives should be elsewhere. The secret to contentment is being in each moment fully. And sometimes our systems need to do nothing and feel the tension of transition from the rush of our normal lives to a deeper calm.
Practice Compassion & Kindness:
Studies show that when we perform acts of kindness, there is a sharp reduction in stress 
and a release of the body’s natural painkillers, the endorphins. Acts of kindness and compassion can lead to an experience of improved emotional well-being. So this day, look around at others and think beyond yourself. All kinds of opportunities to help, some big and some small, will present themselves if we pay attention. Regardless of the size of the act, there is no wrong way to perform simple acts of kindness. The possibilities are endless! This day ask: How will I practice spreading kindness in my life?
