Sublime

If I simply accept reality, I’ll become passive. I may even lose the desire to act.” I answer them with a question: “Can you really know that that’s true?” Which is more empowering?—“I wish I hadn’t lost my job” or “I lost my job; what can I do now?”

"You learn that which observes is you and not that which is being observed. Thus, no matter how undesirable any particular aspect is, it becomes wholly possible to deal with it, accept it, explore it, work with it, no longer be frightened by it.

[The third question: How do you react when you think that thought?

You trade your integrity for harmony in the home. It doesn’t work. Spare yourself from seeking love, approval, or appreciation—from anyone. And watch what happens in reality, just for fun. Read your statement again.

You have a belief about what is beautiful and what is ugly, and if you don’t like yourself, you can change your belief and your life will change. It sounds simple, but it isn’t easy. Whoever controls the belief, controls the dream. When the dreamer finally controls the dream, the dream can become a masterpiece of art.

Who or what would you be without the thought? This is a very powerful question.

The first step in The Work is to identify the thoughts that are causing your stress and to write them down. These thoughts can be about any situation in your life, past, present, or future— about a person you dislike or worry about, a situation with someone who angers or frightens or saddens you, or someone you’re ambivalent or confused about. Writ

[The second question: Can you absolutely know that it’s true?]

Am I competent? Am I a good person? Am I worthy of love?