"I usually keep a slip of paper with me on which I write anything I want to remember in the course of the day — a 'things to do' list — and on that list I include distractions of all kinds, including worries and fears. At the end of the day, you might enter them in a journal devoted to this purpose. Do you notice any recurrent patterns? Do they have their source in memories from the past? Or do they involve concerns relating to a specific situation now? The fact that you will begin to understand what these patterns are will build self-confidence and strengthen your capacity to choose your intent consciously.
"Soon, we will realize that 'rise and shine' is 'the practice' of all spiritual practices. As simple and silly as it may sound, its ultimate purpose goes to the very heart of all spiritual traditions. From the point of view of the Christian tradition, the purpose of this practice is to make 'our will, God's will' — which sounds anything but silly. Either way, be open about this. Observe your life with a good sense of humor, but without being judgmental. The practical benefits are immense: We gain greater control over our moods, feelings, and thoughts; we won't be thinking nearly as much about our fears and worries; and we'll be more likely to make sound decisions and to think for ourselves, rather than getting caught up in the hidden agendas of others.
"One final comment: When we cultivate our intent around a higher purpose — for example, maintaining a joyful attitude toward life — then we realize that most of our fears really are nothing more than 'distractions.' By doing this spiritual practice every day, those fears won't seem nearly as powerful as they once were. The simple reason is that we're giving our minds something better to do. In a larger sense, we're also reclaiming the power that we've given to fear — and putting it to a much better use."
