We were talking today about how casually we say the things we hate—or the people we hate. Without realizing it, we give that thing or person a surprising amount of power over us. I gave a slightly silly example: beetroot. I hate the smell of beetroot—really. And now beetroot somehow has the power to instantly piss me off 🤷♂️ It’s kind of crazy when you think about it.
With people, it can be much worse. The person you hate now holds a remote control to your mind and body. All they have to do is show up.
This reminded me of my Vipassana experience, where one of the core learnings was about reducing attachments and aversions—because both end up having power over the self.
Think of one thing—or one person—you believe you hate. Spend an extra minute observing what actually happens within you when that thing or person comes close. What do you feel? Are you able to observe the chemical and physical reactions triggered within us? Maybe you do.
Essentially- If we can reduce the number of triggers we’ve laid all around us—almost like landmines—we give ourselves a chance to be little bit more freer, lighter, and more joyful. 🙏
