“but when you actually get completely present with the problem, what you notice is that the problem itself is not fully fixated on you. Most challenges are a sort of natural phenomenon, an act of nature, rather than targeted personal adversaries.
I realized when reading your words here, that so often when a situation arises, my ego has been triggered and I’m taking it personally before even noticing. Ugh.
Thanks also for the call out on my final hour with my father. 🙏 I appreciate it. And… great seeing you yesterday.
Many people would've turned and run ... and wound up getting gnawed on. Repeatedly. That you had the presence of mind to square up to the beast – become a beast, in a way – is commendable. I'm really amazed how the pit bull became oddly distracted. Maybe Genie can address that at some point.
I recall a time, while jogging on the street in Burbank, a dog raced out, teeth bared, canine spittle flying. Some inner guru I'd apparently never met made me stop, drop my energy and gaze in the general direction of the carnivore. Said beast stopped and matched my energy. Lesson learned. (Gotta remember that more often!)
Anyway, my takeaway from your insightful essay: "Catastrophizing" in the face of a so called BIG PROBLEM isn't the answer. Rather, stop. Breathe. And know that "Even the most intimidating problems are more mischievous than menacing at heart." Thanks for the reminder.
Rick, this really hit home for me:
“but when you actually get completely present with the problem, what you notice is that the problem itself is not fully fixated on you. Most challenges are a sort of natural phenomenon, an act of nature, rather than targeted personal adversaries.
I realized when reading your words here, that so often when a situation arises, my ego has been triggered and I’m taking it personally before even noticing. Ugh.
Thanks also for the call out on my final hour with my father. 🙏 I appreciate it. And… great seeing you yesterday.
Ooh, good tip for finding your way through a maze!
I hope I don’t have to face up to a pit bull.
Thank you for including my comment responding to last week’s piece, Rick!
Many people would've turned and run ... and wound up getting gnawed on. Repeatedly. That you had the presence of mind to square up to the beast – become a beast, in a way – is commendable. I'm really amazed how the pit bull became oddly distracted. Maybe Genie can address that at some point.
I recall a time, while jogging on the street in Burbank, a dog raced out, teeth bared, canine spittle flying. Some inner guru I'd apparently never met made me stop, drop my energy and gaze in the general direction of the carnivore. Said beast stopped and matched my energy. Lesson learned. (Gotta remember that more often!)
Anyway, my takeaway from your insightful essay: "Catastrophizing" in the face of a so called BIG PROBLEM isn't the answer. Rather, stop. Breathe. And know that "Even the most intimidating problems are more mischievous than menacing at heart." Thanks for the reminder.