Concerns

      Perhaps there is someone who doesn't have any concerns. Can you imagine that? One who has no immediate worries, no immediate problems, and no pressures? Whether one is successful or unsuccessful, there are almost always concerns. They may be small or they be large, they may be time consuming or all consuming, turning the mind into a merry-go-round of thoughts. Think how many times a day we have concerns. Getting to work on time, concerns about the weather, concerns about what to do in relationships, and concerns about money. They can grip us in a close choking kind of way. Many concerns involve time, whether there is time to finish a task or time to do what you'd either like to do or must do. Life seems to be a round of one concern after another.

     Some concerns are deep and affect the entirety of the soul, and that is concern for the health of another or the health of self. The worry and constancy of these concerns can of themselves cause health problems. Behavior of children or adults who are out of control or mired in a pattern of negative behavior can be seen as a valid concern. People who are addicted and unable to find the way out feel concern at some point, usually too late. Concerns can be an aid to taking action. Without concern we have those who just don't care, who become passive, or give up hope, so while there is a negative side of concern, there is also a positive side.

      It is important to juggle your concerns. Trying to handle them all at any one time can become an overwhelming burden. If you are carrying a concern that is heavy, it is important to balance that concern with light. Try to find a period of time where you can find something to help you with that burden. It may be a few quiet moments, it may be something you can read, or it may be spending a few minutes with a particular person. There is alway someone who will listen. That someone is within you.