You bring the meaning

One of the most life-changing lessons we can learn is that the events in our lives are neutral. They are neither good or bad- we bring the meaning.

We label. We compare. We judge. And then we feel. 

This concept can be so difficult to fully understand. We have been conditioned to believe that there are good events and bad events. We spend our days hoping for more of the former and less of the latter. 

Then when “good” events happen we feel good and when “bad” events happen we feel bad. 

Event + Meaning = Emotion 

And You bring the meaning.

If you struggle with this concept then try it out for yourself. 

Start with a potentially minor frustration- let’s say your next door neighbor is playing loud music while you are trying to work.  Your first instinct might be annoyance or even anger and you start to add your negative narrative to the situation. But if you stop and witness the event without the label of good or bad you start to become aware- its just music. 

This is not to say you don’t do anything about it. You can text your neighbor and ask them to turn it down. You can put on your headphones. You can take action to change the situation but you don’t have to add your story to it and label the event as bad.  

Events just happen.  And It is our interpretations of these events - the stories we tell ourselves that determine how we feel. 

You bring the meaning. 

This is not to say when you stop bringing the meaning you must become completely passive - you just don’t add your story to the event. 

When you stop bringing the meaning 

You become more peaceful. 

You become more open and creative.

You become more resilient and resourceful.

You align with the present moment. 

So practice letting go of the labels and the judgement. Start with simple events. Be kind and gentle with yourself.

How will your life begin to change when you stop bringing the meaning?