Being good stewards of our lives

(Originally published 23 November 2012)

The current 21-Day Meditation Challenge from the Chopra Center (on Creating Abundance) has been wonderful. My favorite so far, in the discussion before the 10-minute meditation session, was Day 10: Abundance and the Law of Karma.

Deepak Chopra (who leads all the sessions in this series) introduced the concept of stewardship—responsibly caring for what we value, whether the well-being of a child, the health of our physical body, the resources of our planet. I agree that it's important to ask ourselves if we are being good stewards of our wonderous bodies, and of the minds and spirits contained therein.

We need to make choices of all kinds more consciously—whether to stay up late again, blow off exercising because we're tired, buy the economy-size package of that red-light food because it's on sale, not take the time to make our lunch even though we'll be forced to eat fast food or vending machine fare again. The same goes for other choices—do we choose entertainment which uplifts & inspires us, or makes us more cynical & depressed? Do we create functional homes for what we use and need & remember to return each item to its rightful place, or do we drop things wherever and waste valuable time hunting for lost items, money replacing stuff we can't find, and incur penalties because we can't get bills paid on time? Do we invest time and attention on our important relationships, or do we take them for granted, losing touch, and drifting into separateness or isolation?

Before making a decision, ask yourself if this choice nourishes you and those around you. And if you've made poor choices in the past, do not despair—just make a new and better choice next time, even in this moment.

Chopra advises that tending to the seeds of abundance (or love or health or joy) helps us increase what we desire in our lives. Let your heart lead you in conscious choice making.

Use the Centering Thought for that day's meditation, "Today, I make great choices, because they are made with full awareness," as an affirmation to guide you in recognizing the poor decisions you have been making that prevent you from making the progress you desire toward your goals. Keep in mind that your choices do have consequences, and you can always make a different choice if you are unsatisfied with the results of previous decisions.

I firmly believe that we can change our thoughts, our behaviors, and our habits. Such changes don't happen all at once. It requires consistency and focus, and we have to pay attention. What we think and what we do matters. We have the power to choose wisely & well, so let's commit to doing so!