Chattanooga Pulse

Dear Dr. Rick,
I very much enjoyed your “Who Sits At Your Table” cover story in The Pulse recently, especially the honesty and openness with which both you and Pastor Mark share your experiences and offer guidance.  As someone who strives (sometimes successfully, sometimes not) to improve myself, my life, and the lives of those around me, I wonder what I can do (or do more of) to bring about positive change.  I’m a big believer in the power of thoughts, prayers, and words.  Any suggestions?
Sincerely,
Working On It In Chattanooga (aka Rob)

Dear Rob,
I was having a conversation with a friend about the different ways to effect change in our lives and in the world, and the conversation turned to thinking about our Loving Creator/ Divine Spirit/ Higher Power/ God (use whatever term you like), and all the ways that our Creator works through us to express to the world that which is good, kind, and loving.  And further, that whenever our highest self is engaged in an expression to the world, this is our Creator working through us.  We become a vessel, a conduit.  And change occurs.

We talked about, for instance, my Spirit connecting with your Spirit in all the small, everyday moments of life, verbally and non-verbally.  We connect with each other all the time, whether we’re aware of it or not, through thought, prayer, meditation, word, and action.  But how conscious are we of being able to effect positive change in our lives and the lives of others simply by understanding this?

Think about it:  How many times have you felt a powerful connection with another person—maybe over a creative project for school, or during a candlelight dinner, or just doing yoga together or biking along a wooded trail?  And you smile; feel that little jolt of electricity in your stomach, and wonder, “Hmm…what’s going on here?”  It might be sexual, but it doesn’t have to be sexual at all; it’s a soul-to-soul connection that feels really good.  One person’s exciting, generous, loving Spirit connecting with another’s, and the delicious anticipation of the infinite possibilities this offers.

Shortly after this conversation, I re-discovered this quotation in my notes, from the Kripalu Yoga Center in Massachusetts:  “How do we help awaken the best of the human spirit:  the ability to love, to connect, to integrate, to heal, and to bring forth new life in all dimensions of human activity?   How do we actually make a difference in people’s consciousness?  And once touched, how do we inspire others to actively make a difference in the world, and in the way we live?”

(Don’t you love it when the universe brings just what you need, just when you need it— more of the good stuff you’re already engaged in?)

So, I believe that doing is only part of the picture.  I think a much more potent force for everything from interpersonal wonderfulness to positive global change comes from being.  For in being who you wish to be, who you wish to share with the world, you are consciously involved in the awesome act of creating yourself to be that vessel, that conduit that reaches out and touches others.  You are modeling to those around you something brilliant:  Your Higher Power working through you.

I’ll close with a meditation that was sent to me by my good friend, Candy:  “May today there be peace within.  May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.  May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others.  May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.  May you be content with yourself just the way you are.  Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.”

Dr. Rick Pimental-Habib, Ph.D., is a psychotherapist, minister, and educator, in private practice in Chattanooga, and is the author of “Empowering the Tribe” and “The Power of a Partner.”  Visit his web site at www.DrRPH.com where you can email your questions and comments.