One of the most psychologically and emotionally challenging concepts is the realization that we are completely responsible for how we feel. It seems so much more natural to look to external circumstances as the cause of our happiness or misery.

This stunning recognition can be both terrifying and liberating.

Why terrifying?

Because the responsibility for happiness is shifted onto us. No longer seeing ourselves as passive victims of a seemingly cruel and random world, we have no where to point the finger of blame.

How is it liberating?

The realization that happiness becomes a choice we can make – anytime we want – is monumentally releasing. A great burden is suddenly removed from our shoulders with this recognition.

We are so conditioned to think (and believe) that our state of wellbeing is defined by what others do or say (or don’t do/say), or how the environment impacts us (e.g. weather, bacteria, random circumstances, bodily health, stock market, etc.).

From such a deluded state, we completely confuse the true cause/effect nature of the world.

Everything you see is the result of your thoughts. (W-pI.16.1)

Every thought you have makes up some segment of the world you see. (W-pI.23.1)

In other words, as challenging as this is to accept, the world does not lead to our thoughts. Rather, our thoughts create the world we see.

But once we begin to open ourselves to this mind-blowing concept, we can experience happiness whenever we want – and thus live supremely peaceful lives.

I could see peace instead of this. (W-pI.34)

I can replace my feelings of depression, anxiety or worry [or my thoughts about this situation, personality or event] with peace. (W-pI.34.6)

Join us in Monday’s class where we will explore this idea of choosing peace instead of it being some independent consequence of external events. I look forward to seeing you then.