One of the most de-humanizing characteristics of our modern societies is the degree to which so many of us are trapped in a state of almost constant over-competitiveness. This state of over-competitiveness tends to constantly build up pressure within us, and may be one of the main causes of stress, heart disease and many other chronic illnesses. Do we really need to compete with “Superman” or “Superwoman”?
Excessive expectations? I used to place on myself “enough weight to crush an elephant!” I learned to do this from my parents, who were both perfectionists and overachievers. I kept adding to my unrealistic and excessive expectations until I became so crushed by the weight that I felt almost totally paralyzed.
“Less pressure … more pleasure.”
One of the best ways to get started along the road of self-transformation and behavior modification is to learn to minimize excess pressure and to welcome more pleasure into our lives. Instead of pushing ourselves to do more and more, why not try to “let go” a little bit and take some time to “smell the roses along the way.” What good is all the money and power if we can never feel satisfied? Why not try to accept a little bit less “success,” and learn to enjoy a little more “happiness” instead? One of the books that has made a huge difference in my life is one of Harold Kushner’s best-sellers:
When All You’ve Ever Wanted Isn’t Enough
One of the most common ways of hurting ourselves and of deepening our “Inner Void” consists of not being satisfied with what we already have. Instead of being satisfied with what we have, many of us keep trying to accumulate more and more, and we don’t know when or how to stop. A truth that is often repeated in the human potential movement is that: “There is great power in wanting what we already have.”
Excessive expectations?
I used to place on myself “enough weight to crush an elephant!” I learned to do this from my parents, who were both perfectionists and overachievers. I kept adding to my unrealistic and excessive expectations until I became so crushed by the weight that I felt almost totally paralyzed.
“Less pressure … more pleasure.”
One of the best ways to get started along the road of self-transformation and behavior modification is to learn to minimize excess pressure and to welcome more pleasure into our lives. Instead of pushing ourselves
to do more and more, why not try to “let go” a little bit and take some time to “smell the roses along the way.” What good is all the money and power if we can never feel satisfied? Why not try to accept a little bit less “success,” and learn to enjoy a little more “happiness” instead? One of the books that has made a huge difference in my life is one of Harold Kushner’s best-sellers:
When All You’ve Ever Wanted Isn’t Enough
One of the most common ways of hurting ourselves and of deepening our “Inner Void” consists of not being satisfied with what we already have. Instead of being satisfied with what we have, many of us keep trying to accumulate more and more, and we don’t know when or how to stop. A truth that is often repeated in the human potential movement is that: “There is great power in wanting what we already have.”
From Missing Links, page 5
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