Cafe Gratitude Questions of the Day

What are you not trusting?

It's interesting to me... when we're kids, we're full of trust.  That childlike optimism, and ability to live in the moment is what many strive to rediscover and regain.  Each time we experience betrayal, pain or trauma, a few more bricks are added to the wall we inevitably build as we age.  The Innocent is a highly powerful and necessary archetype that gives us the energy and ability to take on new experiences (relationships, job ventures, etc.).  Without optimism, innocence and some level of trust, we would have great difficulty making major changes in our lives.  With trust being directly related to fear, perhaps you could ask the question, "What do you fear?" instead.

Sometimes it's easier to admit what you fear, rather than what you don't trust.  I fear losing control / freedom.  I was raised in an environment where money seemed to equal freedom.  "Without money, you will struggle.  With money, you have the freedom to go where you want and do what you want." Therefore, I've also always feared lack of money.  Interesting, though, how I chose the path I've taken thus far.  I wanted money, but I also wanted daily freedom from rigid schedules, dealing with bosses that are generally dumb, punching a clock, answering to any authority... Not to say that's necessarily a right or wrong way of thinking, but it is what it is.

Some of the bigger questions I might ask are, do you trust yourself?  Do you trust God/the Universe/your Higher Power?  I can say that I do.  I lose faith from time to time, of course, but on a large scale, I can confidently answer yes.  I believe when you find trust in yourself/your higher power (aren't they one in the same?), there is nothing you can't accomplish once you let go of the fears holding you back, and surrender to trust, love and peace.  Often, the very thought of surrender elicits even more fear in people.  This is what we must overcome if we're ever to find peace.

Who do you love?

My immediate answer would be the obvious... my family, friends & pets.  Although it can be difficult & requires some reminding, I strive to learn to love everyone...  those I disagree with, those who have hurt  or wronged me, those I've never met or never will meet, etc.  History's most enlightened and influential people taught this simple rule (think Jesus, Gandhi...) and for obvious reason, it's the most difficult for humans to accept and integrate into their lives.  We're just not evolved enough yet.