Power Over The Self (knowing when you have it)

There is a moment of recognition. A feeling of certainty. So strong is the certainty that once you experience it, you will know you have finally gained control over the self

I am now in my 61st year. Today, I feel the certainty that I have control. Yesterday, I was exposed to the anger and frustration of people I sensed have little control over themselves. These people are still attempting to control circumstances outside of themselves. Something we have no control over. The result is fear, anger, and frustration. We have no control over what happens to us. What we can control is how we react.

Progress for me came in the form of recognising how important it is to stop reacting to the crisis of others and seek to protect myself from this. There is no gain for me to become involved with the drama others are constantly experiencing

So many of the people I’m currently exposed to seem to be living in a drama. It seems to me that the universe (useful belief) is exposing me to these people in order for me to learn how to better deal with it.

I need and enjoy a feeling of equanimity. These days, it’s a feeling I’ve fallen in love with. I adore equanimity. I love feeling calm, balanced, and at ease within myself. I love feeling in control of my mind. It’s beautiful. Equanimity is a thing of beauty.

I can name the year I found myself on the path toward equanimity: 1998. Will it take 27 years for others to find the things I have? Probably longer. It’s of no concern to me.

And because I deeply understand this now and feel okay, there’s a better chance others might want to follow my example

Others sense neediness, fear, and loneliness. Would any sensible person choose to follow the examples set by fearful, lonely people? No. And it’s an awareness of these things that we must have if we’re to set useful and powerful examples to others.