If Only...

If only things would go the way I intend.  The right way.  My way. 

How often that thinking corrupts our peace of mind.  How often this thinking creates suffering. To want things to be different than they are.  It doesn't mean we have to accept war, cruelty or dirty restrooms.  It does mean we don't suffer over them. 

If only family were closer.  If only airplanes were direct, non-stop.  On time.  Restrooms for normal size people.  Not leprechauns. Nice restrooms.  I think we have a theme going on here.

If only weeds wouldn't grow so fast.  We stayed in our own business.  Stood up for safety and health.  If only.

So much of this is transitory.  Ephemeral.  Just like our thoughts. They come and go.

What if we could enjoy ourselves fully?  One another.  Stand up when things are unsafe and unhealthy.  Come back to our inner peace.  Meditate more.  Love ourselves.

Over the weekend, a family member discussed empathy and how it was different than compassion. 

"Few people innately are naturally empathic, " the family member said. 

"Compassion is more common."

If only people could imagine what someone else's circumstances are.  Feel the world in which they live.  Understand them. Help them. Set boundaries.

Let go of all the 'if only's" and enjoy the moment.  The breathe.

Think about all the people who have helped you in some way, all the people who you love and who love you.  Send them good thoughts.  Tell them you care. 

Imagine what our world would look like.  If only...