Life is hard

Suffering is our psychological resistance to what happens. Events may create physical pain, but they do not in themselves create suffering. Resistance creates suffering. Dan Millman 1946 – If your childhood was anything like mine, you grew up hearing fairy tales and absorbing lessons from them. Most of these children’s stories have a common beginning: “Once upon a time…” They also tend to have a common ending: “And they all lived happily ever after.” While my childhood was far from ideal, there was one theme that was continually repeated: someday, things will be better. Here are some of the thoughts …
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Are we smarter than monkeys?

Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re probably right. Henry Ford 1863 – 1947 The following is an interesting story based on the research of G. R. Stephenson–though it’s probably been embellished a bit. Five monkeys were placed in a cage. There was a ladder in the cage, and at the top of the ladder was a bunch of bananas. There was also a fire hose. The first monkey to spot the bananas started up the ladder, eager to indulge. The fire hose spewed ice cold water on all the monkeys. A few minutes later, …
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Are you thinking or reacting?

We are very influenced by completely automatic things that we have no control over, and we don’t know we’re doing it. Daniel Kahneman 1934 – A week or two ago, I was thinking about a fad that went around when I was in high school. A classmate would be out of your field of vision–either to the side or behind you–and call your name. As you turned toward them, they would toss a book, ball, or some other small object toward you and yell “Think fast!” If you were quick and agile, you caught it. Otherwise, it probably hit you …
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