A man in aftercare, when asked what he would like to change about himself, said he wanted more peace and serenity in his life. He reacted negatively to irritating people or when he didn't have material things he wanted. He wanted to change this.
The facilitator told him he'd once read that the path to peace and serenity was two-fold: first, don't want much in your life that you don't already have, and second, accept your present circumstances. When we're clamoring for control over others and wanting more “things” we’ll never achieve peace.
The media says we’re okay if we have this luxury car, that fine house, or wear designer clothing. The media onslaught of messages about how much better life will be when we have the latest and best new stuff creates a sense of dissatisfaction within us - if we pay attention to the media.
This also applies to what we want from those around us. For example, we have no power over others – in spite of our best efforts. When we want power or control we’re going to be dissatisfied. Those damn people just won't do what we want. At least not often. If we can accept the way others live their lives, we’ll be happier.
Before closing, one group member asked if the man believed God created us. The man said he did.
"Then if you believe God created us, then you believe he also created all the morons you find so irritating."
While the group laughed at this statement, the man agreed. If we ‘re all God’s creations then we must realize he also created those we find irritating.
And who are we to criticize God’s handiwork? Did he put those irritating people in our lives to teach us about ourselves?
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