Operation Tossaway

• Passion - How come no-one is talking about it? by Segal, D., PhD, 8/30/97
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    • Dual-Individuality by Oscar Bekoff, Ph.D., Litt.D., 2/11/99
      
      

Self Awareness (Power of Discard)

I enjoy playing a game called “Operation Tossaway”

The fable is told of the traveler staggering down the road with a rock in one hand and a brick in the other. On his back was a sack of earth, and around his waist wound a long coil of vines.On his head was balanced a heavy pumpkin.

Along the way he met a villager who asked, “Weary traveler, why burden yourself with that big rock”? That’s odd, replied the traveler, “but I never noticed it before.” So he tossed the rock aside and felt much better.

Along came another villager who inquired, “Tell me weary traveler, why wear yourself out with that heavy pumpkin”? I’m glad you pointed it out, said the traveler, because I didn’t realize what I was doing to myself.” So he knocked the pumpkin off his head and went on his way with a much lighter step.

One by one , the villagers made him aware of his needless burdens. So one by one, he abandoned them. Finally he was a free man--and walked like one.

What, really, was his problems? The rock and the pumpkin? Not really. It was the unawareness of them. Once he saw them as pointless burdens, he dropped them soon enough and was no longer tired.

That is the daily problems of many people. They are carrying unnoticed loads. No wonder they are tired.

What are these loads that burden a man’s mind and steals his energy? Negative thoughts, Blaming and accusing others, Permitting gloomy impressions to nap in our minds. Carrying a load of false guilt for things we couldn’t help, Self pity and believing there is no way out.

Everyone has his special brand of energy robbing-- burdens. The sooner we start “Operation Tossaway” the sooner we will feel better and walk lighter. (Vernon Howard)

• Focused Consciousness by Oscar Bekoff, Ph.D., Litt.D., 2/18/99
• Operation Tossaway (2) by Oscar Bekoff, Ph.D. Litt.D., 3/4/99