Announcing two upcoming events: A free tele-call on How to Flourish in the Face of Fear and the Flourish in the Face of Fear Intensive. Please see the events page for more information and to register.
“Life is actually really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.”
~Confucius
A simple phrase that can change everything. Are you wondering what it might be?
OK, I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. Get ready, because it may radically alter your perspective. Here it is: “Oh, this.”
When does “Oh, this” come into play? Whatever happens, whatever arises, the most simple and intelligent response is, “Oh, this.” It means you accept, you embrace, you tell the truth and receive with an open mind and heart. Say “Oh, this” to:
- Present circumstances
- Events from the past
- Things people say and do
- Your own emotional reactions
It’s not about being passive and resigned. It’s not about gritting your teeth and putting up with or getting through. You don’t have to grin and bear it.
“Oh, this” says ‘Yes!” to what is. It’s a revolutionary shift that transforms your whole way of being.
A Real-Life Example
I know it’s hard to believe, but occasionally people will do things that get on my nerves. I feel the frustration rising up in me – the desire to snap back or shut down.
What relieves the pressure and short-circuits the problem is the simple phrase, “Oh, this.” “Oh, this” to the frustration I feel, the urge to say something unkind, the need the person is expressing. It offers the welcome gift of a pause and the chance for understanding. It wakes me up and brings me back to where I really want to be.
“Oh, this” has saved me a lot of trouble.
The Resistance of “Not This”
For many of us, the essence of “Oh, this,” is unfamiliar. We aren’t used to responding by being humble and open. More commonly, we say, “Oh, not this,” as in:
- I don’t want you to be saying that.
- I don’t want you to want that.
- I don’t want this to be happening.
- That shouldn’t have happened.
- I don’t want to feel the way I feel.
These statements all communicate a resistance to what is. How often do you not want others to want what they want? How often do you long to revise history or write the script for what should happen now and in the future? And how much pain do these reactions add to your life?
The Gift That Keeps on Giving
What I love more than anything is that there is a medicine for the illness of reaction and resistance. And the medicine is the deep acceptance inherent in “Oh, this.” It frees you from the grip of tension and grounds you in the reality of things as they are.
It offers the paradox of relaxing in the face of life’s challenges.
“Oh, this” can be the perfectly-wrapped gift that you give to yourself. And it’s a gift that keeps on giving. “Oh, this” centers you in your present moment experience.
It eases your attachment to emotions and stories. It unclouds your mind and establishes you in your heart. “Oh, this” ignites your natural wisdom so you can see clearly and respond with intelligence.
Your emotional triggers may take time to dissolve, but know that peace is possible. Say “Oh, this” whenever you remember – now…and now…and now… Each time, you are chipping away at these conditioned tendencies that don’t serve you anymore.
Each time brings you closer to recognizing the light, the wholeness, the love that you are.
Are you resisting anything? What helps you to be more accepting? I’d love to hear…
Note: I’m happy to announce my new Facebook fan page for A Flourishing Life. Come on over, click like, and join the conversation.
