|
Greetings!
Some years ago I heard a talk given by Deepak Chopra in
which he contrasted the eastern and western approaches to
happiness. “In America,” he said, “people believe they need a
new mercedes in order to be happy”. “In India,” he continued,
“people realize that the mercedes is optional”.
I remember being very struck by this comment at the time,
partly because I had been to India and found myself to be
deeply shaken by the experience. The impact of seeing so
many people who clearly have so little was disturbing enough
for someone like myself who is accustomed to the comforts of
western life. But even more shocking was to find myself
amongst people who, despite having so little, displayed a
certain contentment, generosity of spirit and happiness that
was extraordinary.
Now it may well be that as the east and west continue to
exchange their cultural values like never before, there will be
less to distinguish between the two. Nonetheless, it is
worthwhile considering the relationship between outer wealth
and inner peace, and whether the beliefs that we hold onto in
this regard are in fact true.
| Tell me what you want, what you really, really want.... |
 |
|
I have found through my own experience that a simple line of
enquiry will often cut through the illusory idea that we need
something out there in order to satisfy something
in here.
Try this: next time you have an idea that you need something
outside of yourself (like a mercedes, for example, or a new
house or a job or a lover or a lottery win), take a pause and
ask yourself the following question:
What will this give me that I don’t already have?
Allow a few moments to check in with yourself until you find a
truthful answer, and write it down. Now look at what you have
written - what do you believe it will give you? Some
excitement, perhaps? Or security? Maybe companionship?
You might notice that what you hope this outer thing will give
you is simply a feeling-state, which is in fact an inner
thing. You have moved one step closer to finding what you
really want, but you don’t have to stop there. Starting with
your answer to the first question, ask yourself again:
What will this give me that I don’t already have?
Once again, check in with yourself and wait until a truthful
answer reveals itself to you. Perhaps it will give you a sense of
peace, or relaxation, or freedom. Whatever occurs to you,
write it down. You are now much closer to identifying what it is
you are really seeking, and you haven’t had to spend anything
or change anything in your outer life!
Once you have followed this line of questioning as far as you
can go, then you are ready for the question that I call ‘the
clincher’. Supposing you have realized that what you really
want, deep down, is not the car, nor the excitement it will
bring, but simply the freedom to be yourself. Now consider that
freedom (or whatever it is), and ask yourself the following
question:
How will I know when I have this?
Once again, allow yourself the space and time to find a truthful
answer within. You might just discover that what you have been
looking for out there was in here all along.
Congratulations! You have just proven to yourself that the
mercedes is indeed optional. And here’s the really good news,
just in case you were wondering: when you no longer need it
(whatever it is), only then are you free to have it. I call this
the divine paradox. Enjoy!
|
| Forthcoming Seminars |
|
|
July 5th-7th, Czech Republic
Czech
Homeopathic Academy Summer School
September 2nd-3rd, Zagreb, Croatia
Running
a Successful Practice & Shadow Work Seminars
October 2nd, Evening Talk, London
Dream: Symptom or Symbol?
October 12th-15th, Fawcett Mill Fields, Cumbria
Transforming Beliefs Residential Retreat
October 31st-November 2nd, Dunderry House, Ireland
Details to be posted shortly
|
| Consultations with Ian |
|
|
The next available dates for consultations in London will be
July 27th-29th. Ian will not be holding consultations in London
during August. Consultations in Devon and telephone
consultations are available on other dates. See below or
send an email for more information.
|
| Subscriber Information |
|
|
This newsletter is sent to Ian Watson Seminars
subscribers, who may unsubscribe at any time. You are
welcome to forward it to friends using the
link below. Remember to update your details if your email
address changes. Your feedback is always welcome.
|
|
|
|
|
|
When we take the trouble to investigate for ourselves, we
find that we do indeed live in a topsy-turvy world. What we
thought we were seeking 'out there' is but a reflection of
something 'in here'. And to recognize what we are really
seeking is to glimpse the possibility that it has existed inside of
us all along.
Ian Watson
If you haven't yet discovered Nic Askew's website displaying
his inspirational short films, do take a look. The current 'Film of
the Week' features Tim Gallwey, author of the Inner Game
series of books, discussing his own realization that what we
say we want is not necessarily what we really want.
The link below will take you straight there.
www.monday9am.tv
|
|
