End the war
A shocking, but also funny, scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark reminds me of the Hundred Years’ War I’m having with myself.
The historical Hundred Years’ War was fought between France and England from 1337 to 1453, so it actually lasted 116 years. It killed over three million people.
A personal “Hundred Years’ War” is fought inside every human being, from the day they’re born until the day they die. According to www.statista.com there are about 573,000 people over a hundred years old worldwide, and you might be one of them. But, on average, if you’re human, your personal war will probably last about 72 years, which, as wars go, is a long one. And it will kill one person. You.
Here’s a good question: How long has your war been going on?
However long it's been going on, it's time to end it.
In the shocking but funny scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones is confronted by a dark, turbaned man spinning a sword with one hand in a threatening manner to prove his expertise. He’s hoping to intimidate Jones. With a dismissive shrug of his shoulders, Jones takes out his gun and shoots him. The war between them is over.
Oh, if only we could end our own personal war with ourselves that quickly!
The good news is that we can.
Think of your constant, negative, repetitive thoughts as flashing swords. They seem powerful and intimidating. They mesmerise you. Make you fearful of the future.
Think of being present in the moment as a tool to eliminate them.
Living with Mindfulness
End the personal war raging in your head by paying attention to the present moment.
Don’t be confused by the flashing swords of ceaseless mental chatter.
Like Indiana Jones, be cool and alert. Look around and see what’s really going on.
Then you'll know what to do.
With love, Marlane