Well, the good news is it’s up to you what meaning you want to give an experience. The not-so-good news is that you think it’s not.
Think about it. You’re experiencing a life situation, whether it’s driving on the freeway, interacting with a loved one, or meeting someone for the first time. The event in and of itself is benign—it’s neutral until you assign meaning to it. I like this or I don’t like this. This person is mean or this person is well-meaning. This makes me happy or this makes me sad.
If you want to live a life of joy, peace, and serenity then intend joy, peace, and serenity. Instead of seeing the driver who “cut you off,” see that driver as the one who “you allowed” into your lane. This is a shift in how you can assign meaning to the event. If this is hard for you, try an immediate practice of gratitude.
I am grateful I am present enough that I saw the car coming into my lane.
I am grateful to know that I can assign the meaning that I choose to this event.
I am grateful for opportunities like this to practice self-awareness
Start small with the above example. Then expand this practice into your interactions with your loved ones. Begin to see beauty in yourself and others. When you fill your heart with peace, your mind with joy, and your soul with compassion you are intending of life a joy, peace, and serenity.
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