Inner Strength

 I find that often, I am not able to see what resources I have in me unless there is some dire situation arising. I have heard stories about mothers who have been able to lift cars in order to save their children, yet would not have mustered such strength under any other circumstances. Why is this? Is it because the mind and body are only able to be strong during moments of distress? I think a more reasonable explanation for this phenomena is that risky situations can force people to focus their priorities, and thus muster the strength to push through perceived barriers or limitations. It's not the risk or danger itself which forces a person to do this, but rather, the heightened sense of loss can often induce a state of focus and being in the moment that is rarely found in the mundane or everyday.

 I have on and off been wondering: can such a state of focus be induced in everyday life? I believe that the answer is yes, but it requires a certain kind of disciplined positive-ness. What I mean by this is the ability to hem in one's distracting thoughts and desires, and to be more focused on the things one has which matter to them, such as health and friends. I have heard that in ancient Roman times, there was a way of achieving such a state of intentional gratitude, by reflecting on a state that is less advantageous than one's present state. If one meditates deeply enough on a dire situation, they may foster a kind of enforced gratitude toward what they are able to enjoy here and now. The other advantage to this approach is that it lessens the distracting influences of desires.

  My other point is that too many desires can sap the ability to enjoy what one presently has. It can be all to alluring to reflect on the many attractions in the world, including future ambitions, position, status, fame, and the like, but doing so excessively can lead one to feel empty. The opposite tendency might involve being able to contemplate a less desirable situation, and to bring it to bear upon what we are fortunate enough to do now. This kind of exercise is important because it can turn our perceived deficiencies into actual strengths. But at the end of the day, one should also be aware that even these perceptions are created by the mind. There is no such thing as an "ultimately" disadvantaged position, so these exercises are more importantly enabling a person to be more present with who they are and what they have.