Everyone has heard the expression, “What you sow is what you
reap.” Obviously, if we want to create happiness in our lives, we must learn to
sow the seeds of happiness.
We are essentially infinite choice-makers. In every moment
of our existence, we are in that field of all possibilities where we have
access to an infinity of choices. Some of these choices are made consciously,
while others are made unconsciously. Whether we like it or not, everything that
is happening at this moment is a result of the choices we’ve made in the past.
If I were to insult you, you would most likely make the
choice of being offended. If I were to pay you a compliment, you would most
likely make the choice of being pleased or flattered. But think about it: it’s
still a choice.
I could offend you and I could insult you, and you could
make the choice of not being offended. I
could pay you a compliment and you could make the choice of not letting that flatter
you either. In other words, most of us – even thugh we are infinite choice
makers – have become bundles of conditioned reflexes that are constantly being
triggered by people and circumstances into predictable outcomes of behavior.
If you step back for a moment and witness the choices you
are making as you make these choices, then in just this act of witnessing, you
take the whole process from the unconscious realm into the conscious realm.
This procedure of conscious choice-making and witnessing is very empowering.
When you make any choice – any choice at all – you can ask
yourself two things:
First of all, “What are the consequences of this choice that
I’m making?”
Secondly, “Will this choice that I’m making now bring
happiness to me and to those around me?” If the answer is no, if that choice
brings distress either to you or those around you, then don’t make that choice.
It’s as simple as that.
(Deepak Chopra. The
Seven Spiritual Laws of Success)
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