Have I mentioned that I wake up in the middle of the night with philosophical quandries scurrying around in my head? I believe I have. As previously mentioned I like to contemplate the great mysteries of life, such as, how much sugar is too much, why did Kim Kardashian get married, or is oatmeal really good for you.
But last night I was pondering William H. Murray…not just because he was a fellow Scot…and a mountaineer, a trait I can admire with both my feet planted firmly at sea level, but most importantly…well at least at three thirty in the morning, was this quote I was contemplating.
“… but when I said that nothing had been done I erred in one important matter. We had definitely committed ourselves and were halfway out of our ruts……Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way.”
He was writing about a reconnaissance expedition to Mount Everest. Totally not my cup of tea, this mountain climbing business…too high and all that frigid weather, brrr.
What is my cup of tea is his attitude and his beliefs. He’d mentally made up his mind it was done. No shilly shallying for him. Murray found that with the proper attitude all manner of things would come to his aid, events that he couldn’t have organized himself, and that unexpected meetings or people would show up. And that’s my plan. Choosing the proper attitude to encourage providence to bring what I need so I can experience what I want.
My attitude stems from the state of consciousness to which I most constantly return. This is the place I really dwell – that habitual state from which I view the world. So it’d better be good.
Do I view the world from poverty, by saying, “I am poor?” Do I walk the street feeling, “How poor I am?” I am then viewing the world from a state of poverty. Am I viewing the world from the state of one who is sick, or unloved, or unhappy? Well, that’s my home. That’s my experience.
The place to which I habitually return constitutes my dwelling place. And providence provides me everything I need to experience that state of consciousness. Good news…I need not dwell there.
Our attitudes are the seeds of life so if you can assume an active, positive attitude and not depend upon changes in the outer world for changes in yourself then you are, if not a complete master, at least becoming more in control of the circumstances of life, and it’s done by deliberately changing your attitude to life. And then, perhaps you won’t be climbing mountains you’ll be moving them. That’s my plan too.
Encourage each other.
Love Elle.
xoxo
Images
5 Comments
Wonderful piece. I’m going walking now with your Attitude in mind. Great food for comtemplation. Thank you.
Having the right attitude allows you to see through windows rather than staring at mirrors. Thankyou Elle, be good to yourself
David
I like that concept David, seeing through windows rather than staring at mirrors. Great turn of phrase:-)
Murray’s quote, “Until one is committed…..” is one of my all time favorite quotes. A positive Attitude with a capital “A” is totally required for a climb up Everest. It is also required for climb thru life.
It shouldn’t amaze me, but it does. How great the people are who comment on this blog. You are all so…well conscious…love the climb thru life:-)