One thing that is counter-cultural but accessible is her method for dealing with anger. In her words (http://www.nibiruancouncil.com/html/bush_formula_article.html):
"The Formula of Compassion is a multidimensional process to access personal responsibility that is based on the higher perspective of compassion and consists of nine steps that enable us to release another from playing a role, and thus change our relationship with that person. In addition, once we change our relationship to that person, we also see the portion of our reality, the situation in which this person was involved, also change."There are 9 steps in her Formula for Compassion, and I'm going to apply them to other drivers on the road that make me angry. In this case, I am visualizing a driver acting as they do out of complete ignorance of other drivers on the road, manifested by driving slow in the fast lane, using brakes in the road without using a turn signal or hazard lights, speeding to the end of a merging lane and forcing their way in, etc.
Step One- What is it I wanted to learn from the other drivers?
I wanted to learn that someone can drive in ignorance of safety and courtesy and that other drivers nearby need not fear, their own abilities will keep them more than safe.
Step Two-What is the contract I made with the other drivers?
I entered into a contract with the other drivers to be safe and get to my destination with ease, while obeying (all) the laws of the road and reacting with situational awareness to approaching vehicles.
Step Three- What is the role the other drivers are playing in the contract?
They are playing the role of someone who does not pay attention to all of the aspects of the road that could be potentially dangerous and are certainly rude.
Step Four- What is the aspect of the other drivers that is reflected in me?
I am sometimes distracted on the road, and I'm not always situationally aware of other cars, which is dangerous.
In addition, I speed and drive very close to other cars, which is dangerous.
Also, I am only too willing to visit their perceived rudeness back upon them, with no limit to my cursing, gestures and aggression, which is rude.
Step Five- What is the gift they give to me by playing their role?
The knowledge that my skills behind the wheel will keep me safe, and that I am guilty of the same ignorance and rudeness that they are, just to a different degree. Also, that other drivers driving perfectly wouldn't have a huge impact on my life. I will still get where I am going, safely, even if everyone else is ignoring the presence of my vehicle.
Step Six- Can I accept the role the other drivers play to help me learn this lesson?
I believe that I can.
Step Seven- Can I allow myself to let go of the anger towards these people who helped me to learn this lesson?
I will, otherwise I will continue to be angry with myself for not driving with absolute perfection, which is impossible.
Step Eight- Can I release these people from blame?
Yes, no harm no foul. Adding minutes to my journey or having to maneuver to avoid someone is not a foul.
Step Nine- Can I be kind to these people, and if so, how and when will I do it?
Yes, I can. I will continue to drive with respect for other cars, even if that same respect is not returned by everyone. I will be kind by not yelling, gesturing or cutting these people off, but rather by recognizing they are filling the "slow person in the fast lane" role, an analogy for many of the frustrations in life.
No comments:
Post a Comment