Reconstructing Your Story

Reconstructing Your Story

Whether you realize it or not, the meaning you give to your experience is what eventually becomes your very own life-story. It is the creation of meaning that is the very movement within that story. This movement of meaning also creates its own momentum because it generates more from what it already is…. This is why it is up to us to practice conscious discernment regarding how and what we decide on as important, unimportant, valuable or inconsequential. These defining moments, both small and large, are what we take with us from one situation to the next when we consider future moments in relation to this evolving narrative.

Our Narrative determines how we create happiness: To create a path of happiness means to construct stories that help us learn how to be content in any given moment, simply as it is. This acceptance in the moment is really the truth of what the story is right now anyway.

Right mind in spirit: To take the journey of Inner Contentment is to honor an ongoing process that unfolds as we develop right mind in spirit. Right mind in spirit is about allowing peace and serenity that spirit knows we have. We know that life brings many unpredictable situations to us, and this is when we can best practice right mind in spirit. It happens along all of our paths, so that we may discover new ways of understanding that allow us to tap into our inner strengths and self-knowledge.

Time is The Story Moderator: As time goes on, we narrate what we feel and believe has occurred in our lives. This narration is an interpretation we form through the story we create that features specific settings, various characters, intriguing plot as well as episodes that may require resolution. In order to learn our essential lessons and grasp the messages from our personal themes, we can graciously give ourselves an opportunity to deconstruct our plot. With the process of deconstruction we can find resourceful ways that allow for our own reconstruction to help us engage in what is occurring in the present moment. For example, practicing forgiveness and releasing old layers of grief automatically provide the grounds for reconstruction as beneficial healing.

An Observer Stance: We can take an observer stance in order to see things another way by watching our own story without association. That is we can do so only if we choose to, by objectifying the situation and releasing our attachments… If we are willing to stretch our minds in spirit, we can find value in anything that occurs. Nothing ever occurs without treasured seeds for blessings, for an ability to grow on some level.

An important distinction between inner and outer sources of happiness brings greater clarity for actually achieving it. In his book The Art of Happiness (1998), the Dalai Lama underscores the value of full appreciation for what we now have so that we may cultivate inner happiness, rather than seek an accumulation of unnecessary “wants”, that amounts to this that and just more things.

We all must make decisions in life. The making of decisions requires us to think about the consequences they may bring either now or later; however, a useful method for any decision-making task is to ask yourself whether it will bring increased happiness (Dalai Lama, 1998). If you’re not sure, then you may need to continue asking yourself this very same question until the answer clearly arrives. If the answer is no, then all other rationales will not hold up for long since happiness is the ultimate driving force in all our lives.

Learning how to Anchor Happiness: To anchor the state of inner happiness means to be content with intangible qualities that are not sought after but rather are nurtured and developed. This inner experience is transpersonal in that it originates from the same place of source. It is universal in nature, though how each of us chooses to express these qualities always lies within. We are all like artists who see in our own unique way. As you discover your innate attributes, a sincere gratefulness will help to anchor this enduring happiness.

How happy is your story now? Have you thought about what you may name your story? Remember to be patient with yourself, as it may take some time to name since it captures the essence of who you are. You’ll benefit by recognizing the patterns that have emerged, to decide what they may mean and then it may be easier to name your story. As you may guess, those patterns are clues to what you need to pay attention to…. so that you may improve your story.

Reframing for Self-Development: Your story has the ability to enhance your personal development: Whatever has occurred can be reframed into something constructive for self-development. Reframing is a healthy strategy that promotes your overall well-being and general outlook. When we’re able to find something useful in the apparent negative and lighten it up in creative ways, we can move through it with greater ease.

Keep in mind that life offers no guarantees to any of us. Any one moment can change your story! So always remember to live your best story! We are all forming our stories as we experience them; which is why the moral of this story is to be kind to yourself as you tell your story. It is for your ultimate happiness.