Human Being vs Human Doing
Welcome to the second venture of Fishing Without Bait, a series aimed at helping you approach life without imposing definitive expectations on yourself or others. We explore the consequences of setting unrealistic expectations and how it can lead to disappointment, frustration, anger, and even guilt. By understanding the difference between legitimate guilt and unhealthy guilt, we can take a step back and question the realistic nature of our expectations. Today, we delve deeper into the concept of being a human doing versus a human being and reflect on the challenges of a busy life. Additionally, we discuss the power of choices and the importance of recognizing that everything in life is a choice.
Avoiding Unrealistic Expectations: When we place definitive expectations upon ourselves, we set ourselves up for disappointment. The subsequent frustration can escalate into anger, leading to negative emotions like depression, anxiety, and guilt. It's crucial to differentiate between legitimate guilt, where we seek to make amends for causing harm, and unhealthy guilt, which arises from unrealistic expectations imposed by others. Before placing expectations on ourselves or others, it's essential to assess their realistic nature to prevent unnecessary disappointment and negative emotions.
Balancing Being a Human Doing and a Human Being: In our fast-paced lives, it's easy to become caught up in the endless cycle of doing. Many of us find ourselves constantly thinking about the next task, meeting, or obligation. This mindset can prevent us from fully embracing the present moment. Additionally, external factors like weather conditions can limit our activities, leading to feelings of restriction. However, it's important to recognize that the number of hours in a day remains the same regardless of the time of year. By cultivating mindfulness and focusing on being present, we can break free from the cycle of overcomplication and enjoy a more balanced life.
Shifting Perspectives and Embracing Choices: Often, we view our lives as a series of obligations rather than choices. We find ourselves saying, "I have to do this" or "I have to go there" without considering the power of our decisions. By reframing our perspective and recognizing that everything is a choice, we can regain control over our lives. Instead of saying, "I have to go to work," we can say, "I choose to go to work because it aligns with my goals and values." This shift in mindset allows us to approach our actions with a sense of empowerment and personal agency.
The Power of Mindfulness and Wise-Minded Decision-Making: Mindfulness, the practice of paying attention on purpose, enables us to take one thing at a time and fully participate in our lives. By embracing mindfulness, we become aware of our emotions, thoughts, and choices. While we may not have control over every thought that arises, we can choose how to respond to them. By accurately labeling and describing our situations, emotions, and feelings, we can make wise-minded decisions. This process becomes more automatic with practice, allowing us to navigate daily challenges with ease.
Reclaiming Your Choices and Finding Freedom: It's important to remember that your emotions, thoughts, and feelings are within your control. No one has the power to make you feel a certain way unless you allow them to. By taking ownership of your choices and recognizing that you have the power to respond to situations, you can reclaim your freedom. Even when faced with challenging circumstances, you can choose how to perceive and engage with them. As you continue to listen to this podcast series, we invite you to explore the topics we discuss and embark on a journey towards mindful living and personal liberation.
Final Thoughts: We've delved into the consequences of unrealistic expectations and the power of choices. By embracing mindfulness and recognizing that everything in life is a choice, we can break free from the cycle of negativity and disempowerment. Remember, your choices shape your emotions and thoughts, and you have the ability to reclaim your freedom. Join us as we continue to explore further topics and continue to evolve together on this path of mindful living.
To explore more of this concept, check out our related podcast episode.
