OK, I get it. Stop beating me over the head with it! - Do you ever feel that way? Like the universe is REALLY trying to teach you a lesson and gosh darn it you better get it. Over the last week I have been reading, hearing, or thinking about the idea of REALITY versus OUR STORY. Now, you may think that you story is reality, and that is fine, but I will tell you that the universe is showing me that I couldn't be farther from the truth.
We all know that when two siblings experience the same thing in childhood their perception of that moment and their story of that moment will often be different. This happens because we are all filtering it through our own emotional lens. Both stories are true-ish... they just might not be what REALLY happened.
The problem is when I start to see all things through the lens of my story. Such as, my husband doens't love me. Well, actually he has proven over and over that he does. I am just so STUCK in my own version of reality that I will discount the truth just to stay in my own belief.
See where I am going with this -
Here is another example: my sister was complaining that her family doesn't eat leftovers and she has to throw them away. She says that she always cooks too much and her family should eat them. I said, "but that isn't the reality. They don't eat leftovers. You cook too much. This isn't their issue... it's yours."
Granted those are pretty simple explanations of the idea that we are living inside what we believe rather then what is really happening. My thought is that if we could examine our stories we might be able to live a bit fuller. We might actually have a little peace. Because my stories of what is happening or going to happen are really much worse then what is really happening.
The reality is my husband tells me all the time how beautiful I am, but I can't even hear that because my story is that I am chubby and he doesn't think I am cute any more. EVEN THOUGH HE TELLS ME I AM BEAUTIFUL. Can you see the madness in this? I am MORE willing to live in the story I made up to feel sorry for myself or discount myself then I am to open up to what he is saying. This is crazy!
Universe - I hear you! I hear you! I'll read the books - I'll start investigating... goodness!
For more on this you might check out Pema Chodron's book "The Wisdom of No Escape" or Byron Katies book "Loving What Is"
