Concepts are free creations of the human mind, and are not, however it may seem, uniquely determined by the external world. ― Albert Einstein
The Attaching Glue
In the previous post, I clarified the process of mental coloring in detail; and how our emotional and mental well-being is not determined by what has happened to us, but mostly by the stories / interpretations we attached to those events. What else can you see in the above illustration? What about the subtle white ring in between the (green) interpretation and the (brown) event? Gotcha! You thought that was part of the background design, didn’t you?
Belief is like the binding glue (the white ring) that holds together an interpretation with an event. A belief has the power to magnify or to minimize the way we experience life. In fact, believing in certain concepts have the power to elevate a nation and destroy another. The stronger you believe in a story, the stronger will be the attachment to that specific interpretation, as it gradually becomes part of your identity.
The repetition of a believed in event + interpretation shapes your reality, your mindset and eventually builds your character. Listening and believing in the endless (negative) stories created by the mind adds much stress, anxiety, depression and self-loathing.
As long as we believe in whatever that is presented to us, either produced in other people’s heads or created in our own head, we are at the mercy of the (dominant) mind. Soon you will get lost in a mental loop that continuously re-produces and solidify familiar yet unquestioned stories and interpretations.
If we take something to be the truth, we may cling to it so much that when the truth comes and knocks on our door, we won’t want to let it in. ― Thich Nhat Hanh
The Chosen Interpretation
As illustrated above, potential interpretations / stories are shown in differing colors. These stories and interpretations are all floating quite harmlessly in our head, unless… they are believed in! An interpretation that before was equally weightless suddenly becomes heavy, important and more valued. Now it weighs more and sinks deeply in our psyche and adds to your belief system.
You are free to believe in whatever you want of course; however, you owe it to yourself, and to those you intend to pass on your beliefs, that you investigate your chosen beliefs before fully embracing them. Be mindful what concepts you are believing in, especially now that you realize how they shape your reality, moment by moment.
As Neo in the Matrix was asked by Morpheus to choose between the red or the blue pill, you also always have the option to pick a side and to either take in a positive or a negative story. In the matrix of life, you have also the option to choose not to take any pills! You can let the commentaries inside your head float by, let them be and not buy into them and they will disappear.
=> I further illustrated this point in: How Believing The Storytelling Mind Causes Stress
Failing to understand the workings of one’s own mind is bound to lead to unhappiness. ― Marcus Aurelius
The Critical Choice
Regardless of the situation you live in, you always have the choice to either believe in or believe not in a story about yourself and your life. I am totally aware that at times, you are not able to express your truth externally because of the cultural, educational and familial circumstances and upbringing; but internally you always have the choice what you believe in. Be truthful to yourself.
As we better understand the functioning of the mind and how we may produce our own stress, misery, pain, and suffering, we are better equipped to navigate through life. This is the power of self-knowledge and self-mastery. It is not an easy path, yet it is worth it. You have all the power you need within you. Do not get disheartened.
Be careful with the stories you tell about yourself. Discard the unhelpful and limiting beliefs in favor of a freer you. A skilled counselor or coach can support you to understand and break through these negative patterns, allowing you to live a more satisfying life. Practicing meditation and mindfulness can be powerful tools to improve your filtering ability and emptying your cup. I will gradually post other tools and techniques to better equip you for your journey.
=> I further illustrated this point in: How Choosing to Let Go Can Reduce Stress
Don’t tie yourself to any concept; make use of them, but don’t be used by them. ― Mooji
Guiding Questions
#1 What is the story you are telling right now about yourself or your life?
#2 Do you really need to believe in this story?
#3 What are the potential consequences of believing in such stories?
#4 How would your life be without holding onto this belief?
=> You can download the free PDF for easy reference at your own convenience.
=> This is the 3rd post of a series that I am creating here. It is an invitation to look at your life and well-being from a refreshed perspective. My commitment is to be with you in your journey, in your struggles, in your pain and sorrow. I intend to clarify the complex topics and make them more digestible. So stay tuned.
=> Previous post: Mental Coloring and Psychological Causes of Stress
Final Words
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