ONE OF THE SECRETS OF HAPPINESS

In view of current hysteria, the hate spoken by our leaders and spread by the media.
Its no surprise people are expressing some quite horrible views on social media,
leading to a general feeling of separation and disharmony

So this may be a golden moment to ask - have you heard about the ancient secret to happiness?

Its been used for centuries. It improves mental health and is fundamental to a harmonious life style

So what exactly is this secret?
It's the Art of Not Being Offended

Now after reading those six words, you may imagine this is a simple skill, however, if you take a moment, you will probably find it easy to recall when you were last offended

To master this tricky art,
you must accept that every statement, action and reaction by people, is the result of their own life experience, up until that exact moment. We act from our own experiences and needs to survive in this world, and that can be extremely painful to accept sometimes

This is not to take anything away from our relationships, but consider this for a second...

What damage is actually caused when you get offended? Nothing!
You don't lose anything. You are not physically hurt. You don't contract a disease. You are exactly the same.
Nothing actually happens!!! Oh hang on...one thing does happen, your ego gets poked.

Yes that monkey inside your head, becomes quite vexed and disagreeable.
However, if you want to live in a democracy (even the pretence of one) you have to appreciate that sometimes there will be different views to yours...

Accepting this will untangle you from the words and reactions of other people

Every time you feel offended, there is an opportunity to communicate with that child-like monkey mind, and show it acceptance is a valid path. The other person certainly may be suffering without actually knowing it - you dont need to educated them. However this is a golden opportunity to educate that furious little monkey inside your head!

When you provide no platform or space for anger, drama, harshness and criticism, something changes within you.

This is not to be confused with allowing ourselves to be hurt, neglected or taken advantage of - true compassion does not allow harm to ourselves

Once you accept nothing is personal, negatives begin to fade and disappear from your life. When you are conscious, abuse can only happen if you believe what is being said...

don't you remember what your mama told you...
"sticks and stones may break your bones, but words can never harm you"

Your inherent worth is not determined by what someone else says or believes about you. Its just their opinion, and they are completely entitled to it!

As an emotional species, we face personal challenges throughout our lives. These can have a major effect on us,
often distorting our ability to focus on the things we are actually seeking

If you can walk through life, without allowing your ego monkey mind to get antagonised, life gets a whole lot easier
- regardless of the fact other people may be doing their best to off-load their personal ka-ka onto you!

The art of not being offended takes patience and a little practice. It will allow you to move around this planet in a much lighter mode. Its a lovely skill to master, truly one of the secrets to a happier and healthier lifestyle...

Now fuck off!

3000monks are...slightly embarrassed about swearing

art: claudia tremblay
inspired by: steven hughes/shemsi prinzavalli 
© for permission to use our material just ask!
autumn 2016

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