Victim of Your Own "Story"

Beware the Rattlesnake of the Mind
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie

"Rattlesnake of the Mind" is a metaphor inspired by the Zen term, "Monkey Mind," which refers to the mind's tendency to invent an unending sequence of creative stories about everything we see and hear.

Life does not consist mainly,
or even largely, of facts or happenings.
It consist mainly of the storm of thoughts
that is forever flowing through one's head.
- Mark Twain

The most erroneous stories are those
we think we know best -
and therefore never scrutinize or question.
- Stephen Jay Gould

Cease lying to yourself, and stop telling yourself stories
about why you behave the way you do.
Stop blaming your behavior on other people
and take responsibility for your emotional reactions.
- Sheri Rosenthal

The greatest obstacle to a Joyful Life
is your "story" about your life.
Your story is filled with perceived needs and obligations,
and littered with resentments and regrets.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Further reading: Stilling Your Mind

Overflowing Cup of Tea - Zen Koan

Opening Your Mind

Ten Little Tips to Feel Happier Right Now
    

Managing Your Wayward Mind

Life does not consist mainly,
or even largely, of facts or happenings.
It consist mainly of the storm of thoughts
that is forever flowing through one's head.
- Mark Twain

The moment we want to believe something,
we suddenly see all the arguments for it,
and become blind to the arguments against it.
- George Bernard Shaw

Beware the Rattlesnake of the Mind
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie

"Rattlesnake of the Mind" is a metaphor inspired by the Zen term, "Monkey Mind," which refers to the mind's tendency to invent an unending sequence of creative stories about everything we see and hear.

You are not your mind. You, a Spiritual BEing,
are neither your mind nor your body.
Mind and body are your tools - to use as you choose.
Sometimes your body appears to have a will of its own,
as when it twitches or pains.
Likewise, your mind often appears to have its own will.
That incessant chattering of regret, disappointment, guilt,
shame, foreboding, worry, and fear
is your Rattlesnake Mind striking off on its own.
Know that your mind can be a vicious rattlesnake, and be cautious.
The mind can be tamed, but only with conscious effort and patience.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Further reading: Stilling Your Mind

Opening Your Mind

Common Sense

Power of a Smile

Overflowing Cup of Tea - Zen Koan

Ten Little Tips to Feel Happier Right Now

Stories

There are only two or three human stories, and they go on repeating themselves as fiercely as if they had never happened before. - Willa Cather 

 Our stories are the window to our emotions. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie 

 We tell the real truth of our life by the stories we repeatedly tell. - Mary Anne Radmacher 

 The most erroneous stories are those we think we know best - and therefore never scrutinize or question. - Stephen Jay Gould 

 Further reading: Lessons in Our Stories Assumptions 

  Life Begins When You Do

Life is defined more by its risks than by its samenesses. - Mary Anne Radmacher

Life is defined more by its risks than by its samenesses.
- Mary Anne Radmacher

We tell the real truth of our life by the stories we repeatedly tell. – mar

When families gather around a holiday tale, what are the stories that are told? That lengthy tale that engages everyone’s attention and has each listener wondering, “What next?” We take great joy and satisfaction in the ways we have faced the storms of our lives. Often in the storm we embrace the most significant lessons. Those are the defining narratives we find ways to repeat. What story might you tell today?