All events are neutral, not some events, all events. (9 min 33 sec)

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An event is a happening or occurrence, encompassing various situations that unfold or take place.

An event can range from small-scale occurrences, such as conversations or personal achievements, to larger-scale happenings like conferences, concerts, or trips to the supermarket.

1. All events are inherently neutral.

An event, in its essence, does not possess an inherent positive or negative value; its neutrality is determined by your perception and interpretation.

Your reactions, emotions, and judgments toward an event are based on your personal perspectives, beliefs, and circumstances.

Therefore, the meaning assigned to an event depends on your interpretations and not on the event itself.

You are the one giving the event every bit of meaning it has for you, and it is through your perception that the event has significance in your experience.

2. The event itself does not determine or dictate reality.

Reality refers to "what is" or "what is happening" in the present moment.

Reality is the truth that exists beyond illusions, distortions, fantasies, or personal perceptions.

Your perception of an event is influenced by your subjective experiences, beliefs, biases, and personal framework of understanding.

You bring your own unique perspective, cognitive processes, and emotional filters to the interpretation of all events in your life.

If not you, then who?

It is through your perception, interpretation, and understanding of events that your reality is shaped.

3. The writer suggests that there is an infinite number of potential interpretations for a single event.

However, it is important to note that while there are numerous interpretations, they are still influenced and constrained by your experiences and understanding.

Your interpretation of an event is guided by your current knowledge and cognitive framework, influenced by the information and experiences available to you at the time the event takes place.

The more you practice letting go of grievances your perception of events begin to shift.

By consciously letting go of grievances, you free yourself from the emotional attachment and biases that color your interpretation of events.

This practice allows you to approach events with greater openness, clarity, and objectivity.

As you cultivate a mindset of forgiveness, your interpretations become more compassionate, understanding, and forgiving.

4. You have a default setting and a habitual way of how you respond to certain types of events.

These default responses are influenced by a combination of your personal conditioning, past experiences, belief systems, and cognitive biases. These factors contribute to your patterns of thinking, emotional reactions, and behaviors that recur when similar events arise.

These default settings manifest in diverse ways.

For example, you might find yourself easily frustrated or angry in response to perceived setbacks. You may have a tendency to seek validation from others in certain situations. When faced with challenges, you may have a habitual response of avoidance. Alternatively, you might default to perceiving yourself as a victim of events rather than recognizing your role as the creator of your experiences.

These default settings operate unconsciously, triggered by specific  circumstances. They reflect deeply ingrained patterns of thought and behavior that have been reinforced over time.

Nevertheless, it's crucial to recognize that your default settings are not fixed. By embracing the practice of letting go of grievances, you can create change in your experiences and transform your world. This practice demands daily commitment, and there is no better time to start than the present moment. However, it necessitates openness to adopting a different outlook on events; otherwise, you're trapped in a cycle of judgment and despair.

5. Neutral event.

I ordered a mouthwatering meal from DoorDash. Curiously peering through my open door, I caught sight of a black female driver gracefully walking back to her car, adorned in a knee-length dress that exuded elegance. To my surprise, my delectable food and refreshing drink were thoughtfully placed on the porch.

Personal Thoughts and Assumptions: In that moment, my mind started weaving its own narrative. Seeing her in a dress, an assumption arose within me that perhaps she was lazy or not taking her job seriously. It seemed absurd to me, as if DoorDash only conducted background checks and overlooked attitude assessments. I was taken aback by the fact that she didn't conform to the preconceived script I had unknowingly written for her. My ego, accustomed to having things go its way, struggled to accept this deviation.

Reflecting on the Truth: In truth, it became evident that it was my own mind, not the driver or DoorDash, that attributed meaning to this otherwise neutral event. My assumptions, biases, and expectations had taken hold, shaping my interpretation of the situation. It was a reminder that the meaning we give to events is a reflection of our own internal landscape, colored by our past experiences, beliefs, and desires.

6. Possible Responses: (The short list)

Hurtful Responses:

Choosing to be upset and entertaining unkind thoughts about the DoorDash driver, allowing frustration to consume my perspective.

Opting to voice a complaint through the app, expressing your dissatisfaction based on my own expectations.

Loving Responses:

Recognizing that my assumption about the driver's attire was unfounded and refrain from overlaying my past experiences or biases onto the current situation.

Appreciating the driver's effort and kindness, expressing gratitude for the convenience of having my meal delivered to my doorstep while I enjoyed the comforts of my air-conditioned home.

Choosing to tip generously, recognizing that the driver played a valuable role in ensuring my satisfaction.

Feeling empathy and compassion for the driver, considering the possibility that she had encountered numerous challenges throughout her busy day.

Acknowledging the potential struggles or burdens the driver might be facing and responding with compassion and understanding rather than judgment.

Shifting my perspective and recognizing that the event is an opportunity for love and growth, allowing understanding and empathy to guide my response.

You can see that the hurtful responses stem from frustration, unkind thoughts, and complaints, while the loving responses involve empathy, gratitude, compassion, and understanding. This distinction demonstrates how our choices impact not only our own experience but also the connection and well-being of others.

7. The idea presented is that default responses to events are shaped by your conditioning, past experiences, and beliefs.

These automatic reactions lead to patterns of thinking, emotions, and behaviors. However, these default settings are not fixed, and by letting go of grievances, you can change your experiences. Being open to a different way of looking at events is essential to break free from cycles of judgment and despair.

8. One Way to Implement the Practice:

A simple way to start implementing this practice right now is through the act of forgiveness. Choose one person or situation that has caused you distress or resentment. Take a few moments to reflect on the grievances you hold towards them. Then, consciously make a decision to release those grievances and forgive.

This doesn't mean condoning the actions, but rather freeing yourself from the burden of carrying those negative emotions. As you let go of grievances and cultivate forgiveness, observe how it shifts your perception and brings a sense of peace within.

Do this and watch your outer world change auto-magically!