Asking the right questions

This is a story about a man who decides to travel to the Fontana di Trevi in Rome in the hope of making his wish come true. Early in the morning he makes his way to the fountain, tosses in his coin and says:
” Dear God, please let me win the lottery!”
The next day, he finds his situation unchanged and thinks that perhaps he needs to try harder. With each passing day he retraces his steps and offers the same supplication. Weeks go by and no signs from the saviour. Finally he can’t take it anymore. He falls to his knees and says:
“Dear God, I have come to you day after day begging for your help, I don’t know why you refuse to listen to me! I don’t understand, what am I supposed to do?”
At that moment there’s a tremendous thunderclap and God says:
“Dear son, please buy a lottery ticket.”

Yes, this story brings a smile to our face but let’s not be too quick to judge the poor man. I’m quite sure that somewhere, all of us are forgetting to buy the lottery ticket out of our own predicaments too 🙂

Much of the time, our way of praying or asking for help is really just an exercise in complaining about our situation. Why does nothing ever work out for me? I do so much and I get so little back, why doesn’t anyone appreciate me? How do I change my annoying spouse? Here’s one that used to be a personal favourite, when will I be happy? Before going any further let’s stop to think, how exactly is God or the universe, whatever you choose to call it, supposed to answer these questions; a detailed essay via email? Perhaps in a snapchat story, considering the present day mode of communication and let’s face it, God is always on point. It all boils down to one thing, our perspective. Do we accept responsibility for our part in solving our problems or do we outsource them in entirety to the all knowing power?

We need to phrase our questions in a way that enables us to find a way out of our problems. For example, what new thinking or behaviour do I need to choose in order for things to work out for me, is a constructive question. If we then become still and listen, divine guidance can reveal the way forward. The light is always shining on the next step except we need to make sure we’re looking in the right direction. This is called co creation. This is how we align ourself with the energy of the universe which is always working to manifest our wishes.

Next time we find ourself with an urge to lament our fate, let’s take a breath and ask ourself, are we here to claim our God given power or to act like victims with no free will?

Best
Afshan x