Alternatively, as the story depicts, the man made the decision to enjoy the experience even though losing the match was not as he had expected. How was he able to do this?
Our ‘true self’ has nothing to do with the personal images and projections we create for ourselves and/or others. Instead it is the understanding that we are pure love. And this, in fact, is our truth. When we operate from this place of love there is a deep feeling of inner trust that brings freedom to our lives, and the man’s response with laughter is an example of this. In the moment of defeat he made the choice to liberate himself from the chains that are his image and join in with the crowd’s laughter. Being the real winner then, as stated by Osho, suggests that finding inner peace and joy within our experiences and responding to them with love is the true source of freedom, or our truth. Imagine all the people who walked away from that event feeling joyful and light hearted. What a wonderful outcome!
Self-Application
- Can you recall an experience when you acted from your ego rather than your true self? What was the outcome? How did it feel? How do you think it felt to those involved?
- Think back to a time in your life when you felt very calm and centered. What was it like making decisions at that time? What was one monumental decision you made and how has it impacted your life? How has it impacted your relationships with others?
- Do you notice a pattern in your life of responding more through your true self or with your ego? If so, what kind of an impact has it had on your relationships with your career, health, friends and family?
Learning to make decisions based on Truth rather than Fear is the difference between making a fulfilling, empowering, long lasting change within oneself, or change that lacks certainty, clarity, is limited and short lived. But as we delve deeper into understanding our individual thoughts, words, actions and habits we are better able to differentiate between the two. This will allow for our true self rather than our ego to be our guide. In turn, we can guide our clients to do the same.
Coaching Application
When working with a client who is ready to set goals, make decisions, or take action, work with them first to uncover any underlying reasons for the choices they want to make by asking questions such as:
- What emotions do you experience when you think about making this choice? How does your sense of self respond to those emotions?
- What does your intuition/gut tell you about the choices you have in front of you? If your intuition were your only guide, what would you choose? How does that feel vs. using your mind as your guide?
- Do you feel 100% committed to following through with this choice? What are the reasons? (For either a yes or no answer). If no, what perspective would allow you to feel 100% committed?
These questions can help the client to discover from what basis they are making choices. In turn, this will deepen their awareness and allow them to re-frame perspective and alter the decision if need be, or move forward with more commitment to the decision.
Reflection
Reflect on a personal challenge that, in retrospect you realize was a pivotal moment in your life. How did you direct yourself through it? How can you learn from that experience to help guide you through future crossroads?
References:
A Course in Miracles