Episode 86 - Become an Observer

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In this episode we explore a method to help us avoid becoming angry when others criticize us or say hurtful things. We can learn to become an observer rather than becoming entangled with others’ actions. Further, we can become an observer of our own thoughts and feelings instead of being controlled by them. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If someone says you talk too much it’s not about you, it’s about them. It’s a reflection of the weather inside their mind. If their mind is clear and peaceful like a blue sky, their words and actions reflect that. But if their mind is stormy with anxiety or anger, their words are like the lightning and thunder—they aren’t about you.</span></p> <p><br /> <br /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ancient is this [saying], O Atula, </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It is not just of today: </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">They find fault in one sitting silently, </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">They find fault in one speaking much, </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">They find fault in one speaking moderately. No one in this world is not found at fault. (227)* </span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">No person can be found </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Who has been, is, or will be </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Only criticized </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Or only praised. (228) </span></p> <p><strong>—Buddha, The Dhammapada </strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Links and References</strong></p> <p><a href= "https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Buddha.The+Dhammapada.+Translated+by+Gil+Fronsdale.&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Buddha.</span><em><span style= "font-weight: 400;">The Dhammapada.</span></em> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">Translated by Gil Fronsdale.</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Shambala, Boston and London, 2011, pp.60.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 4