How does attitude shape experience? Our mental and physical posture sets the stage for what is to come and how we experience what is. In a mind-altering ceremony, I was reminded of the power of the mind and how our attitude is the determining factor of our reality—reconnecting with trust and remembering that when we are in love, life responds in kind.
Words draw a map and direction toward the future; they help us remember what matters and integrate the lessons of the past. Words guide us, and from there, the journey and the physical work begin.
How attitude shapes experience: Practice in Action
This is life, the work in the earth, the running in the rain, the late-night study hours. When we enter the game and get our hands dirty is where the money can be made.
We can plan ahead, but it is our physical effort in the moment that creates our lives — and it is our mental attitude that determines the effort we need to exert.
Our attitude is how we choose to see, respond to, and be with any given event or circumstance — both external and internal.
As such, it determines the content and quality of our thoughts as we carry out each task. In turn, this affects our state of being and sets the stage for the experience and outcome of our personal reality.
Attitude determines the effort we need to exert:
When we are aligned with our thoughts, emotions, and intention, our energy is directed toward one single purpose. On the other hand, if we are doing things with resistance (“I don’t want to, but I have to”) and doubt (“I am not capable, no matter how hard I try, I won’t make it”), we are in effect working against ourselves.
This is why mental maturity matters more than we realize. When we’re immature, we complain and avoid responsibility—we deny life as it is. Remembering that we can accept the situation and choose our response empowers us. This is the practice: choose your stance, then meet what comes—with love.
Personal Responsibility and Mental Fortitude
When we assume personal responsibility, we set ourselves up for success, because although we cannot decide which events will occur or what the weather will be, we can take responsibility for how we choose to respond.
This means deciding our attitude in any given situation. When we are in a steady headspace, determined and focused, we are aligned within ourselves and prepared for what is to come.
Refusing to be pulled down by adversity while remaining firm within ourselves is mental fortitude.
If we enter an experience with fear of the outcome and worry about our capacity to perform, we set the framework for failure. On the other hand, when we straighten our backs and reconnect with why we are there in the first place, we are in a space of trust—knowing that this is part of our evolution and a necessary step on the path, we are prepared to be with whatever comes.
Thus, by assuming full personal responsibility for where we are and what lies ahead, we are aligned within ourselves and the experience. How we receive determines what we are given, and when we stand on both feet, humble yet firm, we allow the flow to unfold.
A Personal Story: The Ceremony of Life
I want to tie this together with a personal experience that stays with me as I share this — a pillar of remembrance for the power of intention and attitude.
I recall vividly how fear kept returning before a powerful process in a ceremonial setting. On paper, I still hadn’t committed to that part; I didn’t have to participate. However, on a deeper level, I knew that I would.
At various stages throughout the night, strong emotions revisited me. I processed and worked through these currents of worry and fear — mentally and energetically.
Then, the moment arrived. I did not think or evaluate; things just happened. My body did what it knew it would the whole time; my arm went up in the air, and a shaky voice confirmed my participation.
Fear ran through my system — I felt weak and anticipated being pulled into the ground, tumbled around at the mercy of what was to come. I also knew that if I entered the experience with this mindset, I would set the stage for it. With this knowing, I directed my thoughts and raised my attitude.
Waiting for my turn, I used the opportunity to prepare myself. I straightened my back and felt into my heart. Through conscious breaths, I remembered why I was there — and, more so, that I had chosen to be there.
I didn’t have to stand in that line. It was my deliberate choice, and there was a greater meaning for me being there.
I had decided to heal, and I was prepared to live the experience however it unfolded, with love — because I knew that loving intention had brought me there, and this opportunity was a gift.
Connected to the gratitude of being there, I felt my entire state of being transforming. I didn’t need to straighten my back; it was already erect. With peaceful steps, I made my way, took my seat, and received with an open heart.
I knew this attitude would determine what followed, but I didn’t expect to what degree. What could have been a challenging process, fueled by resistance and fear, became one of the most empowering and beautiful experiences of my life.
First, the experience itself was on a completely different level than previous encounters. Second — and more importantly — was the knowing that I had set the stage for the unfolding of the event.
We Set the Stage — Life Writes the Scene
There are higher powers that influence our path, and I stand humble beneath them. I remain incredibly grateful for the entire experience. Holding myself from pride, while recognizing that we do have a say — our attitude matters. We have the capacity to affect our reality, and we are conscious co-creators of our lives.
We cannot decide what will arrive. Attitude sets the stage, but outcomes are not ours to command. We hold our intention — and life responds.
From there, whatever comes, our attitude again determines how we experience it. And with this knowing, we choose to live with love, guided and protected by the embrace of spirit.
We may not choose the weather, but we can choose to embrace the rain — and that changes everything.
This is the first part of “The Power of The Mind — A Mind Aligned“ and my 27th consecutive blogpost in my August commitment challenge on medium.com. If this resonates, I’d love to hear your experience and perspective — feel free to comment below.
Also, if something is unclear, lacks perspectives, or you have any specific questions or requests about further writings, I am all ears.
