There is very effective prayer that calls to “set aside” all the conundrums, problems, challenges…”for a new experience and an open mind”  of those same conundrums and problems.  Being of limited attention, I’ve shortened it to: “Set aside for an open mind.”

However, I am by nature an argumentative, defensive, self-righteous know-it-all.  And I want to hassle and wrestle with anyone who tries to tell me something different than what I think is right.  For instance, the animal control officer who dares to give me a citation for walking my 15 year old dog without a leash who hardly wavers 10 feet from me.  Oh and he’ll probably catch me for not having a license–for 11 years.  ARGH.  I’ve got all sorts of defenses and logical summaries in my head for the court on how stupid this law is–especially for me.

Plus I am buffeted by inappropriate activities at work all the time.  Clearly my ideas are not considered valuable, since I’ve been relieved of duties and am just waiting for that inevitable (and not soon enough) last day.  So none of what is going on is my business.

Therefore today my chant is changed a bit:  I set aside for peace of mind.  These are truly conundrums and never ending arguments of righteousness.  The defense of my irresponsibility will never end.  The spiritual maxim to obey natural laws is for peace of mind.

I call on Joseph and his angel to help me wrestle with the high thought of simply allowing the flow of life rather than damming it up with self-absorbed illusions of fear and inadequacy.

I set aside for peace of mind.