The Story
We've all got a story to tell. Background, trials, accomplishments, relationships, hopes, fears. Some of it tragic. Perhaps some heroic. Occasionally comedic. Often dull, every so often riveting.
While we might not articulate the story in words, we incessantly do in thought. A "me" who is trying to do the best they can, buffeted by pressures from within and without.
So long as we have a sense of "me" the story is running. Just consider this: Is there anything bothering me? If so, is there a story behind that?
That's it. Look at anything troubling in life and answer the question: is there a story behind this? There will always be a story.
Every emotion we have, without exception, is based on a story. A story with a "me" (or things the me cares about) at the center.
So if we want to experience more peace, how are we to change the story?
We don't. It's not about stopping or changing anything. It's about noticing. Notice there's a story behind the experience.
Noticing instantly shifts attention from the hero or villain of the story to the presence that notices. And that presence is the promised land of perfect peace.