We often complain, “My
life is ruined by him or her. Or, my life is ruined by the circumstances I was
thrown in by my fate.”
What is life? Isn’t it a
series of experiences which we go through from moment to moment? Is it also not
true that every moment we have to make a choice? Don’t we always have a choice
to consider what is good for my growth? Our experience in every moment depends
on what choice we make at every moment. Any choice, that is not going to help
me grow internally, is bound to agitate me and result in a painful experience.
If we continue to go through such painful experiences, life is truly ruined. And,
it is not difficult to see who else could ruin it, except myself. I am the
cause of my own suffering.
The world, including
people around me, will never be according to my wish. I will come across people
and situations that would tend to annoy me. In such situations, am I able to
ask, “What is good for my growth?” Simply asking this question in our minds, we
will find ways to deal with such annoying person or situation. Then, we will
not react emotionally, but respond with calmness and clarity. Our response would
be to say or do what is right, instead of what is pleasing to the other person.
Our response could also be to not say or do anything, but simply walk away from
that person or situation. Such right responses will generate calming experiences,
which would enrich the life instead of ruining. The people and situations
around us may continue to be what they are. I don’t need to change any of them
because that is what makes the world what it is. Indeed, the world offers us
the platform to test our strengths and progress.
