What Is a Disturbing Emotion?

When our minds are disturbed by anger, attachment, selfishness or greed, our energies likewise get disturbed. We feel uneasy; our minds aren’t calm; our thoughts run wild. We say and do things that we later regret. If we notice a sudden disturbance in our minds and energies, we can be sure that it’s the work of some disturbing emotion. The trick is to catch it as soon as it appears and apply some opponent mental state, such as love and compassion, to avoid the problems we’d create if we give in to the troublemaking emotion and act it out. – Dr Alexander Berzin

For a deeper understanding : studybuddhism

Muddy Waters…

A few nights ago I was speaking with a friend…who looks this way and then that way….for answers…so I thought ‘if she/he would only’….then I caught my thoughts…I was making a judgement on what was best for them spiritually.

No….I cannot do that. And I certainly would not want someone to make a decision for me how I ‘should’ or ‘should not’ believe/feel.

What I did say was …’when you stir water that has a muddy bottom….your view is clouded…when you stop stirring the water becomes more clear and you can see where you want to go.  And I am happy with the path I take’. She then asked….’so these things I am showing/telling you are wrong? ‘ ‘I am not saying they are wrong. What I am saying is…I stopped stirring. ‘

When I said those words (or close to them) I felt at peace with all. No judgement. no pressure. Just being.

Be well and Enjoy,

Debra

(as a comment to The Hubris of a Life Lived . )