Be Responsible for You

If you’ve read Own Up To Yourself you’re already on a path toward self-realization and growth. Give yourself a pat on the back. Now here comes the second part – are you ready?

“There is a price we pay for being attached to a narrow view of being right.”
–Jon Kabat Zinn, Wherever You Go, There You Are

Ponder that for a moment before you launch into a tirade with your co-worker, boyfriend, mother, or even yourself. Months ago I practiced an emotional mediation at the Shambhala Center in Los Angeles. The guided meditation began as the teacher instructed, “Think of the worst insult you ever received. Now think of how unjustified you felt on the receiving end. Think about your heart rate, how you became consumed with anger…” Immediately my sister sprang to mind. Years ago she’d accused me of betraying secrets to our parents. I was looking out for her welfare, but she thought I had committed a grave act of disloyalty. I was wounded by her venomous accusations. I didn’t defend myself at the time. My inaction stemmed from paralysis. I couldn’t believe I’d hurt her so.

“Now lean into that emotion. Lean into how angry you felt…” the teacher continued. I allowed every negative thought and feeling to permeate my body. Instead of clenching my fists, and planning my ‘revenge’ speech, I began to laugh! The instructor turned to me and asked, “What did you learn?” I said, simply, “I feel amazing. I let it go.” A beaming smile was plastered on my face for the remainder of the evening and I slept like I was in a coma.

“Speaking of something that makes you angry surrenders your power to others. Experiment with mindfulness in a pot which you can put your feelings into, and be with them,” I read these words last night by the great Jon Kabat Zinn.

Suddenly my experience at the Shambhala Center became even clearer – I understood why and how I had let go. But the trick is to keep doing it every moment of every day.

Have you had a similar experience? Will you try this with me?