Teaching a cat to bark

Big Peace December Day 9:

Baggy eyes have gone. I think that visualisation is really working!

Today, we're going to hang out with Byron Katie, author of Loving What Is and named as 'spiritual innovator for the new Millennium' no less. She says that the only time we suffer is when we believe a
thought that argues with 'what is'. Here is the interview I did with her recently if you missed it.

"If you want reality to be different than it is, you might as well try to teach a cat to bark. You can try and try, and in the end the cat will look up at you and say, 'meow'," says Byron Katie.

So instead of trying to teach a cat to bark today - how can you accept that the cat is going to meow?

My barking cat thoughts are usually around the world 'should'. He 'should' do this, they 'should' be more generous, she 'shouldn't' gossip like that, I 'should' be more organised.

The reality is that he/they/she/I do it anyway and I'm the only one suffering because of my demands that it 'should' be different.

So for today, just notice what thoughts create this reaction. If you need help, fill in Byron Katie's worksheet (free and downloadable from www.the work.com)
Katie encourages us to be as petty as we can!

1. Who angers or saddens or disappoints you? What is it about
   them you didn't or still don't like? Fill in the blanks....
   I don't like ...because ...

2. How do you want them to change? What do you want them to do?
   I want... to ...

3. What is it they should or shouldn't do, be think or feel?
  (Name) shouldn't ...

4. Do you need anything from them? What do they need to give
   you or do in order for you to be happy? I need (name) to ....

5. What do you think of them? Make a list. (Name) is ...

6. What is it you don't ever want to experience with that
   person thing or situation again? I don't ever want to ...with (name)

Tomorrow, we'll be working on deconstructing these shoulds and thoughts.

Suzy x

Comments

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Oh what a joy to spout off about someone who has done a great BIG wrong to you and not feel guilty...I have to say I let rip....;-) and you know what I don't feel cross anymore.