“The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking.  It cannot be changed without changing our thinking” – Albert Einstein.

What happens when we allow negativity and fear to permeate our lives?  We may make inaccurate judgments or assessments about “them” that are really just projections of our own internal dialogue.  We may hinder our own ability to move forward in a positive way.  We may undermine our own progress unconsciously.

When a negative emotion or fear grips us we would be wise to pause and ask ourselves some questions.  Byron Katie has a great four question process to “flip the switch” so we can return to a joyful state.

 Is it true? (Yes or no. If no, move to 3.)

 Can you absolutely know that it’s true? (Yes or no.)

 How do you react, what happens, when you believe that thought?

 Who would you be without the thought?

I went through a period of sadness in my life.  I noticed all the ‘suffering’ that occurs in the world and I cried a lot. My friend Celia is trained in “The Work” of Byron Katie and she asked me these series of questions.

What it uncovered for me was how insane it was for me to suffer as a solution to end suffering!  Essentially that is what I was doing.  I was sad.  I suffered as a result of my perception.  Recognition of this created a shift to help me move past these negative emotions that were blocking me.

It also revealed my own inner emotions, a projection out in the world, a projection that caused me to suffer which ironically added to another “suffering soul” in the world.

I no longer grieve “the suffering of the world”.  That is not to say that it does not exist. However, what is true for me, is that I no longer have to feel sad or suffer over my view of the world.  My declaration is that I am joyful.  As a result of my joyfulness I am able to share joy now instead of sadness.  Sharing my joy instead of my sadness brings light into the world instead of negativity.  This creates a solution to a perceived problem my mind created.

Bryon Katie also has a “judge your neighbor worksheet”.  So if you have someone in your life that creates a negative reaction in you try the worksheet and see what comes up.  Come back and share your experience with us!

The link is below:

http://www.thework.com/downloads/worksheets/JudgeYourNeighbor_Worksheet.pdf