In my morning pages I make a list of everything I'm grateful for with hearts for bullet points.
I also think and write about how I can serve others throughout the day, whether through blogging or community service or reaching out to someone.
I've found that asking these two questions keeps me joyful and focused on what's important. I don't want to get bogged down with money issues or how to market myself or what I may feel like I'm lacking. Money and business stuff is important, but not MOST important. Serving from the heart is the goal.
And making gratitude lists help me remember that I have everything I need and that everything I already have are things I wanted.
In Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life, Dr. Wayne Dyer writes:
"We must place personal desires with the Tao-centered question: How may I serve? By simply changing these kinds of thoughts, we will begin to see major changes taking place in our lives."
"Ego-fixated wants can get in the way of Divine essence, so practice getting ego out of the way..."
"Allow what's within to come forward by suspending worldly determination."
"When action is pure and selfless, everything settles into its own perfect place."
This is what I try to accomplish by asking these two questions each morning. Less self, more service.
I encourage you to ask these questions each day and see how your thoughts and actions change.
- Every morning, (if you write morning pages they are the perfect place for this) make a list of everything you're grateful for. Today, my list included working in my pajamas and my dog, who is the best co-worker ever.
- Follow Dr. Dyer's advice and, "Make an attempt to reverse ego's hold on you by practicing the Tao's teaching to 'serve the needs of others, and all your own needs will be fulfilled.'" When I practice this, I get exactly what I need when I need it.
- Keep in mind that being of service doesn't mean burning yourself out. If you're not healthy and happy you won't be able to help others.
Do you have a practice that helps you savor and serve?