We’ve all been to seminars where Dr. Morter or an instructor shares with us on the power of our choices and emotions. I sometimes feel we, including myself, take this incredible power – to choose, create, feel – for granted. Mostly because even though we know it, sometimes we do not experience it with our own senses immediately and thus fail to make the connection. I share this story to help us all on our way of knowingness and intentionality.

Last spring my training buddy and I were on our 2 ½ hour base run. This was up and down a mountain three times. We usually parked midway down the mountain, and after our first lap we passed my car, noticing there was glass all over the road. It was a snatch and grab. The thieves got my wallet, training bag, jackets, and even our ice teas for after the run. I decided not to allow this to interfere with my day and continued to run. At the end of the run we reported the incident to the local park rangers. That morning there had been another break in and the rangers were furious that they could not catch these people, as it had been going on for a very long time.

What was interesting was that as I continued to run I would be ok – then have thoughts of anger, being trespassed, violated, enraged, retaliation. Then I would catch myself and ask, when/where do I now or in the past identify as angry, violated, let down, less than, or a victim? Do I want more of this in my life? (non rhetorically, truly considering this as can be seen by the next question) How is this serving me now? How have these emotions, victimization, experiences, served me in the past? Where else is this showing up in my life now? In the past? What am I learning now?

I decided to forgive over and over and be grateful for the lesson(s): at not parking my car on the mountain; that I truly don’t “possess” anything, therefore I’m not in turn possessed by anything. I did this any time the emotions would show up. As I did I felt more peace of mind. I also saw in my mind with love and thanksgiving these people being caught, for they truly needed some boundaries, instruction and lessons on self honor and respect of others. I was called five days later and what had eluded others had come to pass. The snatchers were caught and the cycle was complete. I had benefited from their actions and so had they from mine.

“Do little things with much love,”

In Health & Service,

Dr. Roland Phillips