Tainted Listening

"We don't hear what someone said;

we imagine what they mean."

Byron Katie

As words are spoken, we attach meaning to each one based upon our own personal experiences. So from the beginning, we may be headed in the wrong direction. Emotionally, we fill in the blanks that appear in pauses during the conversation. We also slant the conversation towards what we mostly want to hear.

It is no wonder misunderstandings occur, even when we are deliberately trying to be simply present. In our determination to understand what is being shared, we may hang on to each word rather than going with the flow of the conversation. We prioritize phrases or take them out of context which leads us farther astray.

Preconceived ideas easily taint the truth being revealed. A difficult scenario may be described and in our eagerness to identify, we choose to relate based upon our own experience rather than on what is being described. Even though we do these things out of eagerness to please, it is a faulty and detrimental approach.

Supported by the Presence

 

"When we stop opposing reality,

action becomes simple, fluid,

kind and fearless."

Byron Katie    

As we stand on guard anticipating what may or may not happen, we are investing our energy unwisely.  If we can visualize standing in water, laying down our burdens, and gently begin to float with the current, our forward movement is supported by the presence of all that is good.

Maintaining a positive energy, we will let go of fear and minimize our ego.  Our attitude can be more of welcome speculation knowing we can embrace life without becoming a victim.  We can choose to be like a drop of printer's ink, slowly expanding upon the paper or we can simply be the mark of a pencil point, keeping things in perspective.

Whether we are indulging in happiness or quivering in fear, we do better if we acknowledge the situation and carry on.  To know and understand one's self assists in remaining buoyant, moving with the current and not against!

Resolution Greater Than Fear

"You move totally away from reality 

when you believe that there is 

a legitimate reason to suffer."

Byron Katie

Challenges appear in life and we are expected to react to them.  We have choices as to the amount of energy we invest.  The degree of attention we willing place depends upon the severity of the occasion.  Our attitude either hampers or enhances the outcome.

If we avoid reality, we are simply postponing the inevitable.  If we are stuck in denial, forward movement halts.  When we remember our strength, we can engage with the challenge, believe we will discover resolve, and move along.

If we take on responsibility for what is not ours to own, we suffer.  To have the perception of being punished or being a victim creates an unhealthy falsehood.  When we face reality allowing our resolution to be greater than fear or ego, our passage allows for both learning and experience without the need for extended suffering.