George Gurdjieff, an Armenian Mystic recounted about his childhood that when his father was dying he said to him, “I have nothing to leave you except one piece of advice.”
He used to tell this story to his disciples and recounted that this advice was given to him on his father’s deathbed and made an incredible impact as it would on any small boy.
His father said to him that “maybe this advice can be of some benefit to you but I don’t expect you to understand it now, you are far too young.”
His father said to him to remember only one thing and that is if you feel angry, then wait for twenty-four hours. Then do whatsoever you want to do, but the important thing is categorically and absolutely to wait twenty-four hours. He went on to say that “if somebody insults you, you tell him, “I will come after twenty-four hours and do whatsoever is needed. Please give me a little time to think over it and then I will respond.”
The young Gurdjieff could not understand what it was all about and you will also not understand unless you have consciously experienced it for yourself. He came to understand a simple thing and that was if you wait twenty four hours you will not be angry anymore and your response will be so much clearer, cleaner and without so much emotion.
He kept to his promise and he became one of the most influential and controversial Shapeshifters this age has ever seen; for those with an inclination towards a higher intelligence much can be learned from this man and his teachings. By keeping to his promise he also saw that no response was needed whatsoever.
If someone has insulted you and you wait for twenty four hours, you will firstly see that after even a few minutes you are not so angry, but cooler, more calm and collected. Also you will see that if somehow the person who insulted you was right, then perhaps a thank you is required or if he is wrong, no response is needed at all.
If we learn to do this we will be clearer in our business dealings and more compassionate in our daily interactions.
By and by you will become aware of the tremendous impact of this small exercise as you become more capable by practice.
It is not easy to break such ingrained habits, as we react always out of unconsciousness and ignorance, however if you persevere the clouds disappear and you will soon see the sky.
If you are conscious enough to wait for at least twenty four hours you will never be the same person again and your life will have changed for the better-guaranteed.
Chris Borrett
Image-Credit-FreeImages.com/Johnny-Magnusson
If by chance, you have not encountered my previous posts outside this blog, one of my favourites is about “How To Make A Decision and Stick To It”. You have the luxury of reading it by clicking here.