I should have known better.
I’ve been down this path in the past and it didn’t work well for me then, why should it now?
Sigh. Will I ever learn?
What is wrong with me?
These are the types of negative thoughts that haunt me.
The inner critic appears quite quickly:
When I fail.
When I lose my focus.
When my good intentions fade and the temptation of too many calories, too much complaining and/or whining, and old habits take over.
While on retreat last week I ran across the Benedictine saying from more than 1500 years ago:
“Always we begin again.”
Buddhist wisdom calls it “having a beginner’s mind.” Meaning you are open, willing to keep trying and to listen to teachers.
I am studying the Desert Mothers and Fathers this year and they also have reference to this concept:
“Abba Poemen said that every single day is a new beginning, meaning again and again we commit our way to our spiritual practices and path.”
I love the idea of new beginnings. Perhaps that is one reason why I love a new calendar. Even seeing the dawn each day reminds me that life does offer fresh starts and exciting possibilities.
Ever watch a baby learn to walk? They fall more than succeed at staying upright. Fall seven times, get up eight – as the wise saying goes.
I hope the next time my inner critic start badgering my soul, I visualize that baby trying to walk. I will take a deep breath and begin again.
Yes I know we can learn from mistakes. That is one reason why living a reflective life helps. But I am also aware that negative voices can also be obstacles to spiritual growth.
I love discovering and exploring options – and options are there if we seek them.
Life is full of new beginnings.
And isn’t it amazing that God starts his living word with the phrase “In the beginning…”?
The invitation is always there.
To be gentle with myself through the ups and downs, especially when I fall.
To recommit to seeking and spending time with God.
To acknowledge I am a beginner and will continue to be one all through this human journey.
To begin again.
What has God been teaching you lately?
Beautifully written- this is a great affirmation to read. Thank you.
Thank you Ann. May each moment begin anew for you!
Thank you, Jean, for the affirmation that every day offers a fresh start and exciting possibilities. Each day we are also a little wiser than the day before. And hopefully the experiences of yesterday have brought us forward a step or two in maturity, understanding, perseverance, and spiritual strength. Thank you, Jean, for lifting us up so we can begin again–with new enthusiasm! (P.S. Love that Henry Ford quote, too!)
Your words are kind and encouraging. I know this concept about beginning again is one God is working with on my soul. I have heard from enough people to know now he is working on others too. Have a wonderful weekend.
Each day, a new beginning . . . I try to look at my days in this light, too, Jean. I may have stumbled and fallen yesterday, but God presents new opportunities to us daily, ones which will take us from crawling to walking to running. Blessings!
God is so good, isn’t he, Martha!