We interact, not with the people or events in our lives, but with the stories we have written in our heads about those things.
When someone "makes me mad", it's because I believe my own story, not because they "made" me mad.
My beautiful husband-elect recently gave me the audio version of Byron Katie's "Loving What Is", a set of umpteen CDs outlining and showcasing 'The Work' as she calls is. The Work is a simple set of four questions and a general method of self-inquiry that takes a look at those stories and asks the question, "is that really true?" Simple and very powerful stuff.
The same idea crops up in Toltec wisdom teachings: 'stalking the lies' that we tell ourselves about ourselves and about the world. Don Miguel Ruiz' "The Four Agreements" and "The Mastery of Love" are excellent, simple roadmaps.
I'm only beginning to understand and uncover the stories that I tell myself about the world, about people I love, about my own self. And as the light dawns, I laugh and see that for decades I held myself hostage over mere beliefs.
1 comment:
I echo other's sentiments, dear, in delighting in seeing you posting here again. You have much value to share in the expressing of your insights! I would not have your blog fans feel I'd robbed them of that!
But yes, Byron Katie & "the Work" goes quite well with "The Four Agreements" that you brought into my life. In essence, I suppose, every spiritual teaching is a reinterpretation of the same, fundamental truth... But each new take on that truth (yours most certainly included) can reach someone who might have otherwise missed it, or add depth to an insight that had already begun to germinate for them. I hope you'll always continue to share your journey here, love! I benefit as much as everyone else who's an unabashed fan of you & your blog!
Much Love,
OneTree/Medicine Song
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