I read a phrase in Robert Anton Wilson's book "Cosmic Trigger." The phrase was "stop the wheel" meaning we can stop the wheel of karma. What he meant by that was despite the things that are done to us, we can "stop the wheel" and not spread the negativity. Instead, we have the power to re-shape the way things will happen by what we do. I took that very literally and from that time on (I was 18 when I read that book) I stopped the wheel whenever I could.
For example; if I was working and my co-worker snapped at me, instead of snapping back at them or snapping at someone else (the "shit rolls downhill" paradigm) I would say "Sounds like things are being difficult for you today." They would stop for a second and then they would tell me the trouble they were having. I would then validate them by saying how I was sorry that happened to them and that I hoped their day got better. It was amazing; the same person that seconds ago bit my head off and was ready to bite everyone's head off after me was calmed down and went on their way without biting anyone else's head off. People have told me that means I was being a "doormat" to the angry person but I saw it as having the power to change their perception and their attitude without pressuring them into that. I saw it as spreading joy instead of angst, helping them out instead of spreading the anger. What power we have!
Every day, we all have moments like that; the sarcastic bank teller, the grumpy waiter, the person in line complaining. We can choose to allow it to continue by either snapping back or passing it on OR we can have the tremendous power to completely alter things for the better.
I want to be remembered for spreading joy; being a joy-giver instead of a joy-taker. My friend, Rachell, coined that name, "joy-giver" and I like it. Imagine what would happen if we ALL did that...if we all stopped the wheel of negativity and became joy-givers. Just do it.
For example; if I was working and my co-worker snapped at me, instead of snapping back at them or snapping at someone else (the "shit rolls downhill" paradigm) I would say "Sounds like things are being difficult for you today." They would stop for a second and then they would tell me the trouble they were having. I would then validate them by saying how I was sorry that happened to them and that I hoped their day got better. It was amazing; the same person that seconds ago bit my head off and was ready to bite everyone's head off after me was calmed down and went on their way without biting anyone else's head off. People have told me that means I was being a "doormat" to the angry person but I saw it as having the power to change their perception and their attitude without pressuring them into that. I saw it as spreading joy instead of angst, helping them out instead of spreading the anger. What power we have!
Every day, we all have moments like that; the sarcastic bank teller, the grumpy waiter, the person in line complaining. We can choose to allow it to continue by either snapping back or passing it on OR we can have the tremendous power to completely alter things for the better.
I want to be remembered for spreading joy; being a joy-giver instead of a joy-taker. My friend, Rachell, coined that name, "joy-giver" and I like it. Imagine what would happen if we ALL did that...if we all stopped the wheel of negativity and became joy-givers. Just do it.
2 comments:
I see this as the main difference between Hinduism and Buddhism. One believes (or so I understand) that Hindi has more of the "it is the way it is" and Buddhists believe they can change things. I view Islam and Christianity the same way. One sees God doing all and willing all- the other is a partnership- shaping as you go.
I love teaching world history and religions.
Carrie, honey can you throw me a line? I am trying to evaluate some homeschooling programs for my son (we are thinking of pulling him out of AISD). Your experience would be most welcome!
Thanks,
Mysti
mystes@grandecom.net
or mystes9@gmail.com
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