I was reading a statement one morning that had something to do with “what does it matter how lofty or altruistic our beliefs if we don’t act on them?”  That got me to thinking about the importance of making our inner life real in the material world – of translating what matters to us into lived experience.

For example, my mindfulness meditation practice translates into action when I do something as simple as putting my flip flops where they belong when I’m not wearing them.  Rather than just kicking them off anywhere, when I take them to their appointed place, I’m practicing mindfulness in action.  When I look at a child’s curious or smiling face, I make sure I’m smiling, as well, as a way of putting into action my understanding of the importance of mirroring in the development of a child.   And, because I value the environment, I make sure I pick up paper on the street and stay mindful of how I use resources such as water, electricity, paper, etc.  These aren’t public expressions of my beliefs in any way.  Rather, they are means by which I make my beliefs real in my own life and express them in my daily activities.

It doesn’t matter where your beliefs lie.  The important thing is that they translate into actions that make them real in the world in some way.  There’s no need for these actions to be grand or noticed by anyone at all.  What matters is that you have an opportunity to experience congruence between what you believe and what you do.

And so, for this week’s experiment, I invite you to explore how you translate your beliefs into actions in your world.  Notice the small and large ways you respond to the people around you and the situations you encounter that reveal your beliefs in action.  For example, if you believe in compassion, notice what happens when you bring that belief to a moment that causes you irritation.  Can you draw on the belief that everyone just wants to be happy and free of suffering and, in this way, open your heart to a sense of connection instead of the experience of separation that tends to come with irritation?

Remember, this experiment isn’t about promoting specific beliefs.  It’s to explore your relationship to what you believe and how you are in the world.  As with all the experiments, please bring curiosity along as your constant companion, and allow any judgments to move through lightly.