ENTHUSIASM OVERCOMING MISERY
The earliest definition of “enthusiasm” I ever heard is “being thoroughly
enveloped with the breath of God.” Saying this in other ways is:
Let the breath of God, the spirit of the living God, fill my whole being;
My desires be the desires of the Almighty;
My strength be the strength of the Almighty;
My every moment be focused on doing His will;
May His will be the same as mine;
May I rejoice in seeing my accomplishments as the accomplishments of the
Almighty and live in eternal peace.
Of course, at times I may have experiences which I view as lapses. Perhaps
I should not see them as lapses because some say that all power and actions can
be viewed as the Almighty’s: whatever we do can only be done through the
power of God. However, since childhood I have been taught that not only have I
been born in sin (“original sin”) but I am prone to sin during my lifetime.
One of the major items assuring me of continuing enthusiasm is that if I do sin,
I know that my sins are forgiven, especially when I review the preceding.
I must never cease to wonder about God’s creations and His ability to look after
even the most deprived.
Despite the above, it is still very difficult for me to be enthusiastic about
life. I know that when I sin, I can create karma between myself and
another. But I also know that working through karma is a way to grow:
for an individual, a group, a nation, a world, a universe and universes.
And through positive growth I become more spiritual.
Other items which cause me misery are: Needing a lot of sleep every day;
unavoidable wailing when I have to get up early or doing anything I do not have
the energy to accomplish; being lonely; getting frustrated and angry very
easily; discovering that Viagra does not work if I am tired; fear of growing
older and in pain/disabled/greater lack of energy; feeling I am not contributing
to society; not being able to remember what I need to do and the process of
doing it; not having great pleasure in being alive; having to accomplish things
in a slow and methodical manner; having to list everything I need to do; and not
wanting to review the list because I find it frustrating.
To alleviate the above, I focus on the following, which is also a link in my
website, www.davidhakim.com:
My central purpose of being is to grow in love and service. I obtained
this desire by observing and communicating with others more advanced than me.
I am happy knowing I will achieve these qualities at my own timing and rejoice
when I do.
And:
God is always with me;
God loves me;
I am beautiful
(The preceding is a paraphrase of “Universal Cleansing,” another link from my
website.)
And:
(A suggested tune is
“Stormy Weather”)
Life is a dream come
true, full of love and virtue,
I listen to the tune and
rejoice in my being,
For God and His angels
are present and loving,
Showing me the way to
truth and happiness.
(The preceding is also on my website as “Dream Come True” and part of
“Rejuvenate.”)
I have also discovered several wonderful websites,
http://www.hymnsite.com/
and
http://www.oremus.org/hymnal/. The former has the words and melody of
“Breathe on me breathe of God,” written by Edwin Hatch and music by Robert
Jackson: http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh420
It was my choice to incarnate when I did, and even though I believe real choice is flawed, it is still possible for me to be involved in activities which allow me to be enthusiastic:
I must not abandon my interest in writing, being involved in the nonprofit
organization I founded, “Toward Establishing a Safer Society,” working part time
for the U.S. Bureau of the Census and assisting my wife, Judy, who is still
working full time. I must be flexible in my many occupations in the
personal, business and social spheres of my life and especially not anticipate
circumstances and others living up to my expectations.
Lately I have found that I have great joy with my work as President of the
Scottish Rite Club of Oakland, Valley of Detroit, Michigan. I have
relearned that it is easier to be enthusiastic about life if I have friends.
I realize that at this point in my life it is through friendship that many of my
goals will be realized.
To be enthusiastic and dynamic I must be as active as I can. However, I
must not push myself into depression. Control of my depression is easier
when I check frequently with guidance and prioritize my opportunities. The
easiest way of maintaining my enthusiasm is to laugh at myself when I am taking
life too seriously.