Developing a Positive Self-Image

Sometimes, even if we only see a picture of someone who has wronged us, we are often overcome with anger and frustration and generate various thoughts such as wanting to see him or her punished, how can this person be so happy despite having harmed me, why is he not suffering if karma philosophy works, and so on.

Such thoughts trigger an endless chain of similar thoughts and generate negative feelings.

Above all, such thoughts render us ‘anti-self’ since we experience agony while thinking them. We are filled with rage. Which encourages us to deceive ourselves and indulge in a variety of self-destructive behaviors.

The Cage

Sangappa and Ningappa, two best friends who shared a hamlet, became adversaries due to selfishness, envy, and other destructive attitudes. They do, however, have mutual friends, who they both want to stand by their side steadfastly, leaving the other isolated and weak. 

If Sangappa hosted their common acquaintances for breakfast then Ningappa entertained them for lunch. And if Ningappa gave them any gifts, then Sangappa would give them something more valuable than that.

Meanwhile, the third man gained greatly from the confrontation between these two men and does not want them to stop fighting. As a result, they were constantly trying to keep the heat from cooling down.

In reality, every one of these people is completely encased in their own emotional coop. Like a rat trapped in a cage, they are bound by ego, envy, hatred, fear, and a range of other unpleasant emotions.

Many of us have probably witnessed similar or distinct events that might cause self-doubt, ego, rage, irritation, fear, envy, and a range of other low-level  emotions. When we become engrossed in such feelings, we jeopardise our purity, health, and peace, and we become further involved in karmic cycles that are exceedingly difficult to break free from due to their psychodynamic nature, and we will finally find ourselves trapped in this never-ending circle. So it’s critical not to slip into such clutches, and if we do, we must get out as quickly as possible.

Developing a Positive Self-Image

The most fundamental reason many great minds warn against falling into such a cycle is that everything we do for a long time becomes our default way of thinking and expressing ourselves and getting out of this is very difficult. There are times when we choose the same pattern of thinking and expect serenity, love, success, and happiness in return. Like a puppy purposely sitting on a nail and crying about how terrible it is.

When we do the same thing over and over again, it becomes a habit. If you are jealous of someone repeatedly, jealousy will become your habit; if you complain about things on a regular basis, complaining will become a habit; and if you adopt peace repeatedly, peace will become your habit.

"Thinking, speaking, and behaving in the same manner repeatedly becomes a habit, and it soon becomes an automated way of responding"

Final Thoughts:

We must allow others to think, say, and behave as they like, but do not follow in their footsteps. Peace, tranquillity, happiness, courage, dignity, and discipline should be our way of life. We must be the artist of our own life and don’t let someone else paint your life; otherwise, we lose our ability to chose, think, act, and talk. 

Love and Peace,

Narendra