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Posted by Jerry Lopper Sep 8, 2006 |
First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do. ~Epictetus
Reflection: At any given moment, we each assume a certain state of being. Think of it as a role played in a theatre production, though we're not consciously playing a part. The behavior we exhibit reflects what we're thinking and how we're feeling. We tend to think the state of being, such as being angry, is a result of something imposed on us. How many times do we say, "Oh, she makes me so angry when..."
But of course, "she" can't really make us angry. We choose the state of being of angry in reaction to how we feel about something she did or said. Our states of being are choices. As Epictetus's quote indicates, first choose the state you prefer, then do what naturally results from it. Instead of being angry, you might choose compassionate, or understanding, or neutral. Each choice will then govern what you do and how you feel. Consciously choosing your state of being will empower you. Try it.