Attitudes

        "Attitude is a window to the world. It can darken the outlook or bring the light in. Attitudes are not crystal clear in that they change easily. These changes bring in shadings of emotions or insight that lead to different hues, different intensities that create the permanence or impermanance of a particular attitude. It would be unproductive to have such set attitudes that the ideas and opinions there as a young person stayed the same throughout life. Maturity is sometimes measured by the shifting of attitudes.

        Many people are not aware of how much they are affected by other people's attitudes. And yet, some are more than aware because of racial or ethnic differences. We respond, sometimes, almost instintively to strangers we meet and yet do not really know why. It is the attitude the person carries, the feeling that is projected that is sensed but not seen. Some people carry a protective, defensive attitude because of circumstances from the past or circumstances of the present. Some people seem very open to all and yet just below the surface there is a closed area that is not viewed and seldom sensed.

        Where is the balance? How does one keep from being so open that there is gullibility and not so closed that the individual is not reachable. It is by working on the balance within- confidence and comfort of the soul that reaches through the layer of protection and defensiveness. And then, the next question is, how does one develop confidence of the soul or comfort? Again, balance. Confidence comes from being comfortable with self. Mistakes or grievances that disturb one inwardly disturbs the spirit. That is when there should be self reflection and time to go within to check on the attitudes inside. It is only when there is review that one can tell that there is a change of attitude,perhaps for the better, perhaps for the worse. As we are constantly being influenced daily, it is wise to see where you are, what you actually feel about situations and events. There are times when attitudes can change quite frequently and be more or less fluid, and that is a sign of growth... to look at and search and think and analyze. Less we sound too analytical, we hasten to express that feelings and emotions are constantly in a state of attitude change. Maturity has a strong effect on these changes as does life's experiences.

        Attitude toward self is the balancer. As one becomes more loving toward self, more understanding, and more forgiving of mistakes, this attitude will project outward to a more balanced approach to others. We expect too much sometimes. We expect overnight improvements and understanding. Seldom does it work that way. That is why review is a good habit. As you grow, as you evolve, as you understand, all the ingredients sometimes get jumbled. It is good to take a little bit of time in your life to be silent, to have silence, to listen, and to see where your attitudes have taken you. Our attitude toward you is one of love. Love beyond your present understanding, but nevertheless, it is there. Peace be to you."