Chad Watkins:

 

 

Two People

 

Outward Appearance:

Both seem to have their lives put together, running smoothly and doing well.

 

Inward Actuality:

Person A: Operates out of their mind. They seem so strong, so well put together, so poised and calm. Inside is a different story. The mind is bustling about, going 100 miles/hour shouting out instructions right and left.

 

Sometimes the instructions are to be proactive while at other times reactive. The change from proactive to reactive can occur in mid-stream just as the call to change the course of the Titantic was hastily shouted without warning.

 

When the action or reaction is not getting the job done, then it always serves to add a good dose of manipulation. Manipulation is a great way to get things to move on the course which you desire.

 

Ocassionally you find that none of these tactics are working. Don't worry, the mind never skips a beat. When all else fails you pull out the really big artillery – guilt! Guilt, when applied appropriately and in the right dosage, can really work wonders to control others and circumstances.

 

Now you may wonder -- How can one know which course of action to take in a given moment, or how the mind can work fast enough to keep up with how quickly things can change in life – how does one manage to stay on top of it all? Well, that is easy to explain.

 

When you are dealing with a mind that works this hard and is successful in pulling off the apperance of a "well put together life," you are dealing with a mind fueled by pride and fear. Pride and fear are two of the biggest drugs to send the mind on an overdrive trip.

 

While everything we have already discussed is frantically going on, the mind is simultaneously shouting out orders how to compose facial exressions and body language. One cannot pull off the appearance of a "well put togther life" if the face and body are going to reveal a different story.

 

Now realize, successfully running your life using these methods does not occur overnight. It takes years of practice to truly become a master of this lifestyle. Some people really like the success and results they achieve when operating in this mode.

 

The most common side effect one will face while using the methods mentioned above is the constant exhaustion. It can truly be draining to have the mind work this hard and this fast, non-stop. Most people eventually get so accustomed to the exhaustion that they hardly even realize that something is wrong.

 

A necessary recommendation for this type of life includes making sure you get away at least once a year. You need to get far away from everyone you know so that you can "let your hair down" and go wild. People who are constanly put under this type of pressure need moments where they can do things that their controlling mind will never let them do.

 

While on these "get away" trips, people will often experience urges to do things that normally would never cross their minds. To avoid this "over-the top" decompression, I highly recommend taking up excessive drinking or substance abuse so that you can give your mind a "mini-break" each evening.

 

Taking some form of a break is absolutely necessary for this type of lifestyle or the mind will eventually "give out" and you will lose it at some point. The recovery from this experience takes a very long time and in some cases, full recovery is not possible.

 

Person B:

Person B also exemplifies the qualities of a well put together, poised, and calm life.  Type B persons achieve this quality of living through a different approach. They employ a strategy I call "calm strength".

 

People who operate out of calm strength are those who spend time daily in some form of meditation and/or prayer. They seek to live their lives being directed by spirit rather than by their minds.

 

These people use their energy to quiet the mind so that they can authentically experience life. While quieting the mind, they learn to walk gracefully through every circumstance that arises rather than trying to control circumstances and others. People who practice calm strength realize that their focus cannot be outwardly, but inwardly. They realize that the practice of daily quieting the mind is non-negotiable if they are to flow in spirit.

 

While operating out of calm strength, one's true personailty begins to emerge. Operating out of calm strength does not mean that one has to become pious, quiet all the time, or even religious – it simply means that they tap in to who they are authentically and are comfortable in his or her own skin.

 

People who are comfortable in their own skin and living authentically do not need to constantly "re-invent" themselves or change personalities or beliefs based on the crowd they are around. They are capable of achieving peace and happiness in most circumstances. When the circumstance is so bad that peace or happiness is truly not obtainable, they are then capable of remaining calm – even in the midst of the turmoil.

 

Those who practice calm strength do not have a need to participate in activities such as slander or judgements on others or the actions of others. (These tactics are very useful for the person who is trying to control life by manipulating others and campaign for self- promotion.)

 

"B-type" people realize that everyone is "writing" their own story and interpet things according to their own personal beliefs, experiences or religious teachings. They realize that people's actions, words and opinions are truly their "own" creations and are designed to portray life as they interpret it, but that does not make it truth. Because of this understanding, "B-type" people do not have a need to react to other's words or actions.

 

The practice of calm strenth requires that the one practicing realize that they are responsible for their words, actions and interpretations of other's words and actions.

 

Just like Person A, Person B spends many years of practice working toward mastery of calm strength – it does not occur overnight. Calm strength can be very difficult to master for if often goes against all formal teachings. Those interested in practicing calm strength must be willing to spend time in stillness and quiet. Calm strength is found in truth. Seek and ye shall find – knock and the door shall be opened.

 

Each of us is practicing a method of experiencing life. Which path do you travel?