Motivation Information

Its a Habit


Do you sometimes have the feeling that you're running into the same obstacles over and over again? Many of my conflicts have the same feel to them, like "Hey, I think I've been here before," but I can't figure out how I wound up in the same place. The situation is different, but the conflict feels the same.

I first read this poem in "The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying" by Sogyal Rinpoche. When I "Googled" it, I found fourteen pages of links. It's clearly a favorite with many people; I know it speaks volumes to me.

"Autobiography in Five Chapters"
1) I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk
I fall in.
I am lost . . . I am hopeless.
It isn't my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.

2) I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again.
I can't believe I'm in the same place.
But it isn't my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.

3) I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in . . . it's a habit
My eyes are open
I know where I am
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.

4) I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk
I walk around it

5) I walk down another street.

Does this feel familiar? I am ready to learn that lesson! I'm sure that I've changed. I can see that hole coming a mile away. This time it will be different. I still end up falling in. Tired, sad and angry, I drag myself up once again. What was I supposed to learn here? I thought I learned that the last time.

Some conflicts seem to take years to unravel, but if we stay tuned, and our purpose is to look with curiosity and awareness, we will find the moment when we can step around the hole.

As I write, thinking about a recent stumble of my own, I am smiling a bit. From a distance, I watch myself drop into the hole - one I know well - and it's kind of funny. And perhaps that is the way out - to laugh more often, to "love our mistakes," as my friend says. I've heard it said that eventually we will laugh at all our mistakes - the trick is to laugh sooner. When I can laugh as I climb out of the hole, I'm on my way to finding the route around it, or better yet, that alternate street.

© 2005 Judy Ringer, Power & Presence Training

About the Author: Judy Ringer is Founder of Power & Presence Training, specializing in unique workshops on conflict, communication, and creating a more positive work environment. Judy is also a black belt in aikido, and is writing her first book on the connection between aikido, conflict, and living a more purposeful life. To sign up for more free tips and articles like these, visit http://www.JudyRinger.com

Note: You're welcome to reprint this article as long as it remains complete and unaltered (including the 'about the author' info at the end).


MORE RESOURCES:


Ancaster News
Everyone finds their own motivation
Penticton Western, Canada - 9 hours ago
... waiting for you at the finish line. That's often enough mental motivation to get people through the last 10 or 15 or 20 kilometres.".
Ironman tri-ing for a cure Ancaster News
all 3 related


Pike Co. top dog in Class 3A
Troy Messenger, AL - 18 hours ago
... coach readily admits that he's checked out the poll, and that he believes despite occupying the top spot, the defending champions can use the poll as motivation ...


Minister stresses the importance of teachers' motivation
Gye Nyame Concord, Ghana - Aug 4, 2006
Tema, Aug 4, GNA - Papa Owusu Ankomah, the Minister of Education, Science and Sports, had stressed the need to motivate teachers to enable them to put in their ...


Motivation a key factor
FOX SPORTS, Australia - Aug 4, 2006
By Leigh Matthews. I WAS asked early this week about the challenge of maintaining team motivation now that Brisbane Lions' finals chances appear finished. ...


Warriors won't lack motivation: Cleary
The Age, Australia - Aug 2, 2006
Coach Ivan Cleary is confident motivation wouldn't be a factor when the New Zealand Warriors host Cronulla in the NRL on Saturday night. ...



Daily Telegraph
Fat chance of motivation
Daily Telegraph, Australia - Aug 2, 2006
... study. In fact, those messages may actually undermine motivation to adopt exercise and other healthy lifestyle habits. Published ...


Mr. Motivation
Fitchburg Sentinel, MA - Aug 4, 2006
By Ross Edwards. LEOMINSTER -- The only ones who know what was said during a team meeting last Thursday night are the players who were there. ...


A Little Moore Info
Dawg Post - 24 minutes ago
... DM -- There are many opportunities this year at wide receiver... do you use that for motivation? MM -- My mother is my motivation. I owe everything to her. ...
A Little Moore Info AUtigers.com (subscription)
all 5 related


Focus On Weight Undermines Motivation For Healthy Lifestyle ...
Medical News Today (press release), UK - Aug 4, 2006
... active. In fact, those messages may actually undermine motivation to adopt exercise and other healthy lifestyle habits. Published ...


Esh has added motivation to win races now
The Evening Sun, PA - Aug 3, 2006
... row. If the urge to please his new bosses, Dick and Leslie Leach, was not enough, he had even extra motivation on Saturday. "It ...

home | site map
© 2006 Indexadvertisements.com

Useful Links

   
Biometrics Solutions Ayurvedic Biometrics Products Job opportunities
Tech News Online Advertisement Software Development Investments Guru
Biometrics Integrated Chipsilicon Matrimonial Semiconductors