Higher States of Mind

The problem is not the reasons why we get angry; the problem is finding a good enough reason to give up our precious peace of mind. Beth takes offense at my words in the course of an argument that took place a long time ago; she resents me for past actions that were never taken with the intention of hurting her. Victim types want to make you feel guilty and dignify their poor state of mind. We can't help but sometimes lose our nerve and show our proverbial teeth and claws, but as soon as we can, aim at taking the reigns away from madness and go back to tending the affairs of our lives with cooler heads. Let's not rationalize why we lose control; let's not fool ourselves, we're not in control but on autopilot. So aim at keeping your cool by not overreacting, don't value anything more than your peace of mind.

Of course, sometimes we need to fight. But half of the battle in a fight is how you manage your opponent's aggression. You can choose to remain centered and give up the illusion that it has anything to do with the issue at hand. Once you lose control, you've lost the battle. Your state of mind shouldn't be so volatily dependant on the matters argued; your focus should solely rest on being centered and right on point. It's hard only if you're trying it for the first time. Then it becomes second nature, like a layer of skin you didn't know you had underneath.
Plans are in place. Instead of spending time dining and wining, or watching tv, we should check out the courses offered by CUNY. There's a CUNY center right next to where I work. Also, a good restaurant right next door.

What you can communicate is limited to the capacity of understanding your listener has. People see what they've been conditioned to see. Think of how many aspects of yourself you'd like to change, and change takes effort initially and then it's effortless. That which you aim at becoming, you already are. Forget trying to change other people's minds, it's a futile and unfulfiling task. Sitting on a train platform awaiting the train, I become slightly concerned that it is taking longer than usual; there, I recognize my own state of mind, so I work effortlessly at keeping the peace within: haven't we gone through this passage of rite before? I ask myself. But shouldn't I be worried that I might be late? Well I have been many times late, and the consequences have rarely merited the inner turmoil I put myself through before I get there. Either get up earlier or just stop this mental nagging.