Insights: The story of Mara, representing negativity, trying to influence and ultimately derail the Buddha's calm mindfulness, is a scenario I have encountered all too often. With family, strangers, and even occurrences such as a low-tire-pressure light or the traffic of school drop-offs through our neighborhood. It's reminiscent of conversations in which someone is telling of how awful and poorly someone has treated them (myself included), and how allowing their mood and views to cause you to adapt their outlook and opinion. I have had this happen many times, some in which I have been pulled into the negativity and others in which my understanding of both people and the nature of two varied perspectives at play. When dealing with one who is particularly triggering, keeping my balance and a calm mindset takes aggressive patience and presence. The challenge they are is my opportunity to master the recognition of what I am in full control of: my expectations and my reactions. Those alone are how my emotions can be swayed to distress or peace.
Insights: The story of Mara, representing negativity, trying to influence and ultimately derail the Buddha's calm mindfulness, is a scenario I have encountered all too often. With family, strangers, and even occurrences such as a low-tire-pressure light or the traffic of school drop-offs through our neighborhood. It's reminiscent of conversations in which someone is telling of how awful and poorly someone has treated them (myself included), and how allowing their mood and views to cause you to adapt their outlook and opinion. I have had this happen many times, some in which I have been pulled into the negativity and others in which my understanding of both people and the nature of two varied perspectives at play. When dealing with one who is particularly triggering, keeping my balance and a calm mindset takes aggressive patience and presence. The challenge they are is my opportunity to master the recognition of what I am in full control of: my expectations and my reactions. Those alone are how my emotions can be swayed to distress or peace.