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Anger

Alan Cohen, in his February newsletter, had a fascinating article on a man wrongly imprisoned for 35 years on a rape charge.

 
John Cali

On December 9, 2009, James Bain was freed from prison for a crime he did not commit. When asked about his unfair treatment, Bain replied simply, "I'm not angry. I've got God."

Here's what Alan said about Bain's simple, yet powerful response:

"It would take a man of great faith and deep inner peace to make such a statement, which few people could in his circumstances. Yet Bain refused to indulge in bitterness."

Many years ago, one of our newsletter readers asked Chief Joseph about the bloody and tragic Nez Perce War of 1877.

In that war, the US Army unjustly drove Joseph and his people out of their ancestral homeland in the Wallowa Valley of what is now the US state of Oregon. Many of the tribe, including women and children -- and Chief Joseph's beloved brother Chief Ollicot -- died in that bloodbath.

Here are the reader's comments:

"Could you ask Chief Joseph how he found peace within his thoughts after he and his people were grievously wronged by the US Army/nation? I ask as I struggle, after being wronged by others, to let go of anger and move on to focusing on the joy/challenge of living the rest of my life."

Here's Chief Joseph's response to those comments.

 
Chief Joseph

First of all, let's get this straight: You have never been "wronged" by anyone. Every relationship, every circumstance you have ever experienced in this or any other lifetime is purely a co-creation when it involves others.

All of you, at the soul level, "conspired," if you will, to manifest whatever you experienced, or are experiencing, in the context of your relationships. And it matters not what those relationships are -- friends, enemies, families, lovers, business associates, casual acquaintances, etc.

All relationships are co-creations. That means everyone involved, whether it be 2 or 200 or 2,000, is equally responsible for the manifestation of that relationship.

We know that's a "tough pill to swallow" for most humans. But it is what it is.

So how can you ever say you've been "wronged" by another if you and they are equal co-creators of your relationship?

But that's not the real point here. Why? Because all of that is in your past. That past has no power over you. Unless, of course, you bring it into your present by dwelling on it. And, in the process, making yourself quite miserable.

Hear this: All your power is in this present moment. All your power!

So it behooves you to focus on what you want, on what brings you joy.

Do memories of the past bring you joy? If yes, great! If no, forget them! They do you no good.

All of your power is in this present moment. What you are focusing on in this present moment is what you will create in all your future present moments.

If thinking of the past brings you joy, great! If focusing on the past brings you sorrow, that's not so great.

But remember this: Whether you're thinking about past, present, or future, you're thinking about it NOW, in this present moment. And again, that's where all your power is.

So choose only joy. Focus only on joy. Then you will create for yourself paradise on earth. And it won't matter if all the rest of the world is going to hell in a hand basket, as you say.

The key is to focus on what you want. Focus on the joy you wish to experience in your life. And do it now! Then the Universe will bring to you more of all you want.

Your birthright is joy. Claim it! Claim your power!

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This Week's Newsletter Reflection Questions

News Updates

1)  Hans Brockhuis, whom some of you know, has been a dear friend of Chief Joseph's and mine for many years. Hans publishes a wonderful spiritual newsletter called "Running Fox." He occasionally publishes some of Chief Joseph's messages at his website on a page called "Messages from the other world." Or, for those of you who speak Dutch, "Boodschappen uit de andere wereld."

So if you do speak Dutch, you can read the Chief Joseph messages Hans publishes in Dutch. Here's where to go:
http://www.runningfox.nl/Speciaal/boodschapindex.html

2)  We're now doing regular podcasts with Chief Joseph. You can now download them free.

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