Willpower

Today's meditation is about willpower. Strange to ponder, but willpower, often thought as solely a power of the spirit or the mind, seems to be significantly tied to physical well being. It increases with positive mood, happiness, contentment, and wanes with trouble, sorrow, and depression. I've noticed that a good meal, a meaningful interaction with an friend, and being rested, makes my determination to do something new, apply an effort, or continue to battle through ongoing difficulties stronger. 

And, of course, it is also strange to think how thoroughly infused life is with difficulties and setbacks. Every stage of life presents a new challenge or obstacle to overcome, and plateaus of achievement or contentment seem to be fleeting. A kid struggles in school, but finally graduates, only to be faced with new challenges at work or in relationships, not to mention mental or physical challenges life presents us all. One wisdom of being an adult is recognizing how fallible one's parents are, what mental or physical challenges they faced. Challenges never cease. 

So, willpower must, it seems to me, be practiced frequently and often, so it carries a person through the challenges; and that, dear reader, is very hard. I've heard that psychology asserts the idea that once an unwanted behavioral pattern is recognized, it is easier to overcome. To use a colloquial proverb, "when you know better, you do better." 

I want to captain my life smoothly through habits and recognition of universal truth as I experience the hard times of difficult emotions, physical and emotional challenges, and uncomfortable permanent truths. As old as I am, I'm still trying to find the balance.