I’m arguing with reality again; of course I am losing the argument.
Arguing with reality is a common cause of suffering. We wonder how life might have been different had any number of events happened or not happened. We may decide we are unhappy because something happened, or failed to happen.
We seem hard-wired to reject things as they are. We want them to be different and insist on that, only to discover our worlds, inner and outer, descending into chaos. Occasionally the spirits, our employers, or our families confront us with the truth, overwhelming us with evidence. These actions, uncomfortable as they may be, are acts of kindness; inevitably, they are invitations to accept impending change.
Often we chose to hold on, the suffering we know appearing much less intimidating than the suffering we imagine. Usually this is a strategy that creates mountains of pain, yet it seems to be the brain’s fallback position. Yet, sometimes we marshal our courage and resources and soldier forward into the unknown. That may well be painful, too, yet offers the possibility of relief somewhere ahead. Noticing things as they are opens the door to change.
Ritual and ceremony remind us that change may yield renewal. They also provide bridges between the everyday and the unanticipated, between one way of being and another. Yet we may find ourselves resisting their use. Daily meditation, prayer, or simply walking in Nature are rituals available to all of us. Acknowledging the Directions, inviting the presence of the Ancestors and spirits, and offering tobacco to Pachamama and the Creator are simple, accessible ceremonies. Rising early to greet Father Sun requires effort and offers much benefit. Drawing, writing, painting, or simply going out into the world to take photos may become powerfully healing rituals celebrating life as it is.
We can practice that: celebrating life as it is. We can breathe and sing and cry, and share our joys and sorrows with others. We can practice acknowledging things as they are, in all their muckiness and complexity. Yes, practice. Being present does not come easily to most of us; we need practice, patience, and the space to err.
I invite you to join me in the project of noticing when we become embroiled in arguing with the realities of our lives. It is a good and fruitful practice, and one made bearable by good company.
Dreaming the World 
Thanks for this. Will be a perfect compliment to what I’m asking my clients to do…
You are welcome. This post came out of my week with myself and clients….. We are all so very human!
Michael Watson M.A., Ph.D., LCMHC, JourneyWorks 11Kilburn Street Burlington Vermont 05408 802-860-6203 http://www.journeyworksvt.com/ https://michaelwatsonvt.wordpress.com/ http://journeyworksvt.wordpress.com/
> Date: Fri, 12 Jul 2013 12:53:17 +0000 > To: mwatsonlcmhc@hotmail.com >
Is it possible that we “instinctively” reject things as they are (even when they are fine, really), because of our inherent need to be in control? If we just let something be, then it is not of our doing. But in those rare moments when we can pause and realize that all is well, with gratitude, we feel relieved that we did not have to struggle. We forget that real control happens when we choose to stop resisting. As you suggest, it’s personal control that we need.
I imagine it is likely. We work to train ourselves to accept as much “reality” as possible.The trick is in breathing and staying present to what is. That is no small task.
Reblogged this on Ap!nkaffair and commented:
i stumbled upon this a while back, and i just had to share it…think about it, as beings programmed for change we do an aweful lot of statis
Hi Michael. I read your words with interest here. Would a cure to arguing with reality be, to know how we created that reality in the first place ?
Im no expert in Psychology but was taught how to create futures in my Shamanic Initiations. This being a means to imagine (water) inspire (air) act upon (fire) and manifest (earth) all of which is drawn from the limitless countenance of the Universe. If we create a reality, is the root of that reality our beliefs ? Formed from our own conditioning and personal experiences.
Glenn, I’d like to imagine that there is a reality at the root of things, then lots of possible outcomes branching from that. I believe that we get caught up in arguing with reality when we confuse refusing to accept the world as it is with working to create change. (If we stand in the middle of the freeway we are most likely going to be hurt by speeding vehicles.) I believe “reality” is a co-created experience and the dialog amongst the many creators is useful. Underneath that though is the Creator and the Mystery.
Thank you Michael. I agree we are the centre of our own Universe and all create our own reality. Mostly through choice underlined with belief. If what we believe we make real. We may gain an advantage by paying attention to where we focus attention
Your opening lines made me smile…knowingly…
Smiles are good!