By Ahsan
"The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another."
William James
Upon hearing that the ancient walled city was under attack, a group of citizens asked the soldier what would happen to themselves, their loved ones, and their valuables if the enemy breached the main gate.
The soldier remained calm and assured them to have faith in the fortified gateway engineered to withstand the pounding of the battering rams.
However, he added an important measure for them to consider.
He stoically urged them, “Keep close to the walls; lest the arrows flying over – strike you!”
This advice is so logical yet not intuitive. The recommendation to shield oneself by simply changing one’s physical position, staying closer to the walls, requires the least amount of effort and offers the greatest protection.
Similarly, you and I are bombarded, as it were, by striking arrows of negativity, irritations, anxieties, and tensions unleashed by daily circumstances and the people around us.
While we could devise many techniques to avert the piercing of these arrows, let me suggest one very logical and straightforward method.
What is the equivalent of simply staying close to the walls?
Just become aware.
Develop a personal awareness of how circumstances and people around you can influence you, allowing you to avoid the negative feelings or irritations you might usually feel.
Get closer to the walls of your mind with an awareness of life playing out in front of you without getting swept away by it.
This level of personal awareness is not just about understanding your environment; it’s also about recognizing that “The only journey is the journey within.” – Rainer Maria Rilke.
By undertaking this inner journey, you discover the root causes of your emotions and your ongoing experiences in life. Otherwise, you'll remain forever trapped in the misconception that your feelings come from the pleasant or unpleasant circumstances or people you interact with.
By letting the arrows fly past you, you can live with more happiness and really enjoy your time here because life should be cherished, not just endured.
Among the most vital knowledge you can ever absorb is the ability to live well, helping you savour the time you have during your brief visit to this planet.
Have An Awesome Day!
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