Choose To Be Happy
In order to be happy we have to make peace with the present moment.
Today I will start with small story of two ducks get into a fight they do the following:
1. They separate and float off in opposite directions.
2. Then they each flap their wings vigorously a few times to get rid of the surplus energy that built up during the fight.
3. After flapping their wings they float on peacefully, as if nothing had happened.
However, if the duck had a human mind, it would probably tell itself a story such as the following:
“I can’t believe he just did that. Who does he think he is? The nerve . . . he has absolutely no consideration of others. He thinks he owns this pond. I’m sure he’s already plotting some new way to annoy me. He’s not getting away with it; I’ll show him.”
The lesson we can learn from the ducks is this: flap your wings. That is, shake off the surplus energy you feel after a negative encounter, let go of the stories you’re telling yourself, and return to the only place of power: the present moment.
Do the following:
1. Become aware of the stories you’re constantly telling yourself in the back of your mind of why you can’t be happy now.
2. Decide that being happy–and at peace– is more important to you than being right.
3. Release your ego while you’re working so that you can become one with what you’re doing and–at least while you’re exercising your craft–you can forget your petty grievances and everyday concerns.
