"Take yourself lightly". That's Chesterton's message. It's easy to say, but what does it mean? And how can you do it?
You know how sometimes someone does something and you get all upset over it? Have you ever done something that someone else got upset about, and that hurt you? Perhaps something happened that shouldn't have, and it bothered you, and you got all muddled and stressed?
Many people are caught up in a web of emotions that they can't help and can't handle. This is no way to live; to let other people and other events decide your happiness and peace of mind.
OK, so how do we take ourselves lightly when things upset, hurt, stress or dismay us? How can we find "Enlightenment" that Buddhists talk about? How can you "rise above yourself" to take a calmer and happier view of life?
The answer has many parts. But one important part stands out. It's that bit about "rise above yourself." It's simple to do, although it takes a little practice. The idea is to watch yourself having the feelings. Let me explain.
- Whenever you find yourself dealing with an unpleasant situation or person, acknowledge that you have those feelings. Don't try to resist them or to make them disappear.
- Then, watch yourself having those feelings. You can imagine that you're floating up out of your body, watching your body do what it does. Notice what you're feeling in your body and where in your body you feel those feelings. For example, you might feel tightness in your throat; or heaviness in your legs; or tension in your stomach. Remember, don't fight the feelings. Just notice them.
- Keep noticing those feelings as they change.
Some people say that when they do this, the bad feelings simply dissolve and disappear. Most others find that the feelings aren't as bad as they were, and they can cope with the situation a lot better. This means they respond better, make better decisions, and feel good about that.
Keep practising this, and make it a habit. Isn't it worth a little practice to regain control over your life?
