Tag Archives: self-mastery

A Tale of Two Men

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This is a short story about two men with varying viewpoints on life. While neither is wrong, only one of them finds happiness…

 

One day a man decided it was time to venture out into the world and see what else the universe had to offer. Not feeling content with his current residency, he hoped to find better accommodations.

Approaching a nearby village, he meets an elder of the village.

“Excuse me sir!”

“Yes.” The elder replies.

“My name is Julio and interested in potentially relocating to your town. Can you tell me a bit about your town?”

The elder asks,”what are you looking for?”

The man replies, “well, I am looking for a place that will bring me happiness and gives me a sense of purpose.”

Elder replies, “why don’t you tell me a bit about where you are from.”

Interrupting the elder, “what kind of people live here. I mean, are they happy?”

Elder replies, “what kind of people live in your village?”

“oh, they are the meanest, nastiest people who I have known and that is why I am looking to move somewhere more pleasant.”

The elder sadly, “I am sorry to report, but the people who live here sound just like wherever you came.”

To his dismay, the man left and never returned.

 

Oddly enough, another gentleman arrives at the village and greets the same elder.

“Good day to you sir.”

The elder replies, “It is a fine day in deed.”

“could you tell me what kind of people live in this town? I am considering relocating from my current place of residency.”

The elder smiles, as if it was very familiar in conversation, “why don’t you tell me about the people the live in your current village.”

“oh, well they are nicest people I have ever known. It will be sad to move, but I am looking for a change of scenery and looking to live somewhere similar to my home.”

The elder smiles brighter, “you are in luck, as it sounds like the same types of people we have here.”

The man wasted no time, packed up his things and moved to the nearby village.

 

While one man remained lost as a pilgrim, searching for something outside of his boundaries in hopes of finding happiness, the other was as sure as the Warrior…accepting happiness wherever he goes. One mans viewpoint was of misery, while the other found a silver-lining in every cloud. One man continues searching for peace and happiness, while the other merely chooses it.

Stepping into the Canvas with a new attitude…One of happiness, seeing all as good. Even in times of suffering it is possible to find good…we just have to look a little harder. Do you see people as irritating or judgmental? Or do you see them Friendly, caring human beings? Whichever you choose, it is merely reflecting the mirror you carry…

 

Original story told by Wayne Dyer, shortened for this blog.

 

Beyond The Canvas

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You have made the first step into the canvas, taken the second, but left in wonder about what comes next. Stepping into the Canvas means taking an active participating role in our OWN lives, while  inspiring others along the way. Do we have to do anything? The truth is we need to do very little. Even in dissent, we indirectly take an active role In the Canvas of Life.

So if we need to do nothing, why do we struggle day-to-day trying to find our purpose? A conditioned response to think that we have to change the world and the only way to do so is through action. Action in the normal sense means to actively seek ways towards success. Myth: success is measured by how far we get in life and how much ‘stuff’ we accumulate. Truth:  success is not defined on how much stuff we accumulate, but how much acceptance to oneself and tolerance for those around us. The world is changing on a daily basis,  yet we remain stuck exactly where we were yesterday. How do we make the leap to changing how we see the rest of the world as it changes daily? With a mere thought…stop worrying about what happened yesterday and begin living for today.

If a man in the morning hear the right way, he may die in the evening without regret.  ~Confucius

To be active in the canvas means to seek purpose, but our only purpose is to live fully, and leaving the details to our painter. Nature is the canvas and we are apart of the Canvas. The beauty is in the eye of the beholder. While we have a hand in co-creating our own reality, our only goal is finding happiness. Happiness cannot be found on the outside, but within.

Once we submit to our inner calling, happiness is sure to follow. Once it is found, give it all away. It is not enough to just step into the canvas, but it is getting beyond the belief that we have to do anything in life other than just be happy. Getting beyond the Canvas is not worrying about the outcome, but enjoying all there is.

The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to match your nature with Nature.  ~Joseph Campbell

Life is too short…why would we spend it miserable, filled with judgmental thoughts, lacking acceptance and failing to hit the mark of happiness. The bulls-eye to happiness is at the center of our self. Being told to ‘do this’ or ‘do that,’ we still have the choice to do what we want. Is it monetary value that makes you tick, then go get it. Is it true love you seek, then find it. Whatever it is you are looking for, seek it out and make it true.

There are no extra pieces in the universe. 

Everyone is here because he or she has a place to fill

and every piece must fit itself into the big jigsaw puzzle.~ Deepak Chopra

Step into the Canvas doing nothing but being authentic today. Worrying not the outcomes, worrying not about deadlines. Instead worrying about living to the fullest, leaving the details of life to the painter. We are the Canvas… meant to paint as we see fit. Why not paint a picture you could be proud of?

Just Be.~ Ben Merens