Commitment 10:
Opposite of My Story
Exploring the opposite means being open to the notion that opposite of your story (thoughts, beliefs, opinions) could be as true or truer than your story.
It is not the issue itself that causes pain, but your interpretation of it.
Conscious leaders take responsibility for being the labeler of their experiences and their life, and they learn to question all their labels.
From Above the Line
By Me:
I commit to seeing that the opposite of my story is as true or truer than my original story. I recognize that I interpret the world around me and give my stories meaning.
From below the Line
To Me:
I commit to believing my stories and the meaning I give them as the truth.
Practice It:
Use “The Work” by Byron Katie to practice looking at the opposite of your stories.
Pick an issue like: “Paul should understand me.”
1. Is it true?
Is it true that he should understand you? Be still. Wait for the heart’s response.
2. Can you absolutely know that it’s true?
Ultimately, can you really know what he should or shouldn’t understand? Can you absolutely know what is in his best interest to understand?
3. How do you react, what happens, when you believe that thought?
What happens when you believe “Paul should understand me” and he doesn’t? Do you experience anger, stress, frustration? How do you treat Paul? Do you give him “the look”? Do you try to change him in any way? How do these reactions feel? How do you treat yourself? Does that thought bring stress or peace into your life? Be still as you listen.
4. Who would you be without the thought?
The Turnaround
Next, turn your statement around. The turnarounds are an opportunity to experience the opposite of what you believe to be true. You may find several turnarounds.
For example, “Paul should understand me” turns around to:
- I should understand me.
- I should understand Paul.
- Paul shouldn't understand me.
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