Sometimes we find ourselves navigating life as if we’re adrift in a stormy sea, our emotional state tossed about by the whims of those around us. Every word, every action, becomes a potential storm, leaving us feeling powerless and overwhelmed. But what if there was another way? A way to navigate life with a sense of inner peace and freedom, unaffected by the turbulence of external circumstances?
Today’s journey looks outward at the humans around us, recognizing that everyone is trying their best.
“Every single human being is trying his best. We’re all doing the best we can. But when we believe what we are thinking, then we have to compulsively live out those thoughts. When there’s chaos in our heads, there’s chaos in our lives. When there’s hurt in our thinking, there’s hurt in our lives. Love thy neighbor as thyself? I always have. And when I hated me, I also hated you. That’s how it works. If I hate someone, I’m mistaking them for me, and solutions remain hidden.” – Byron Katie
If I am triggered by what someone says or does I have to ask myself the question, “why am I not free of this? Why is the reaction inside of me so loud?” No one can “trigger” something in me, unless the trigger already exists in my nervous system. “What is this wound I need to heal?”
“Our parents, our children, our spouses, and our friends will continue to press every button we have, until we realize what it is that we don’t want to know about ourselves, yet. They will point us to our freedom every time.” – Byron Katie
“No-one can disappoint you, only your thoughts about them can.” – Byron Katie
“No one has ever been angry at another human being – we’re only angry at our story of them.” – Byron Katie
“My experience is that the teachers we need most are the people we’re living with right now.” – Byron Katie
Our triggers are built into our bodies and minds through the experiences we have lived through in our past. Our nervous system became conditioned to react (be triggered) in a certain way and this is now on repeat along with our inner narrative about the events of the past.
The journey to freedom begins with self-awareness. By recognizing our triggers and the narratives we weave around them, we take the first step towards liberation.
It’s essential to remember that everyone is doing their best. Sometimes – even while I’m really trying – I still say or do the “wrong” thing, and that is true for everyone else as well. When we extend compassion and understanding to others, we create space for self-compassion too. And in the inner wholeness that our compassion brings, our wounds will heal, and the same old words and actions from the world around us will just not hit that nerve any more.
I can walk through the world with my emotional state always being at the mercy of what people say or do around me, or I can walk through the world free.
As you walk this journey, consider these guiding mantras:
- Observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
- Question the stories you tell yourself about others and yourself.
- Practice self-compassion and extend it to others.
- Connect with like-minded individuals.
We navigate the world in one of two ways: as captives to the actions and words of those around us, or as liberated beings. My wish for you is freedom.
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: Tonglen.