There was another part of the mountain hike story that I have been struggling with letting go of all week: I did not bring enough warm/waterproof clothes for Ryan and I during the hike last weekend. (Apparently I was absent the day they addressed mountain hiking clothes in school because we were way under dressed). By the time we headed down the mountain, we were both wet and frozen. Fortunately 2 strangers gave us their rain ponchos and a friend in our group gave Ryan her warm and dry jacket. I have felt terribly irresponsible about the whole thing and the incident has left me feeling concerned about future situations where I might show some kind of poor judgment (I've learned my lesson about mountains but who knows where else I might fall short and maybe with more detrimental results).
Although I tried to witness and release the feelings this week, it was not happening. Then I decided to apply the technique of unconditional happiness to this situation. After choosing to feel gratitude and happiness for the situation, I had some insight and I was able to let it go. I recognize that the Universe provides even when I personally fall short. Although I wished that I had planned better, the fact that our needs were met by 3 other kind souls helps me to see that it isn't all up to me...God provides. So I can accept what happened without feeling anxious about not being prepared for something else in the future.
There are 5 techniques that are described in the final section of the book, with the path of unconditional happiness being one of them. Michael suggests that we may need to use different techniques depending on the situation. Witnessing and releasing was not working for me in this situation but looking at it through a brighter lense helped me to let it go.
"Unconditional happiness is a very high path and a very high technique because it solves everything...(It) solves daily life and it solves spiritual life. The greatest gift one can give to God is to be pleased with His creation." (T.U.S., p. 146-147).
May we all choose to feel unconditional happiness and gratitude for the life that we have been given and for the opportunity to grow in whatever ways that we need to grow.
That was a healing insight, and good to know there are several techniques to dealing with our negative feelings.
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