Controlling Reality

Chasing control will always leave you in the dust.

Grasshopper Notes are the writings from America's Best Known Hypnotherapist John Morgan. His podcasts contain his most responded to essays and blog posts from the past two decades. 

Find the written versions of these podcasts on John's podcasting site: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1628038

"The Grasshopper" is the part of you that whispers pearls of wisdom that  seem to pop into your mind from out of the blue. John's essays and blog posts are his interpretations of these "Nips of Nectar." Others have labeled his writings as timeless wisdom. 

Most of the John's writings revolve around self improvement and self help. They address topics like:

• Mindfulness
• Peace of mind
• Creativity
• How to stay in the present moment
• Spirituality
• Behavior improvement

And stories that transform you to a wider sense of awareness that presents more options. And isn't that what we all want, more options? 

John uploads these podcasts on a regular basis. So check back often to hear these podcasts heard around the world. Who wants to be the next person to change? 

Make sure to order a copy of John's new book: WISDOM OF THE GRASSHOPPER – 21 Days to Creativity. These mini-meditations take you inside where all your creative resources live. And you'll come out not only refreshed but recommitted to creating your future. 

It's only $16.95 and available at BLURB.COM at the link below. https://www.blurb.com/b/10239673-wisd...

Also, download John's FREE book INTER RUPTION: The Magic Key To Lasting Change. It's available at John's website  https://GrasshopperNotes.com

Transcript

Controlling Reality

Second to happiness, it seems the thing we chase most in life is control. Like the blind monkey who finds a peanut once in a while, we occasionally catch happiness. But, we're always left in the dust when we run after control.

Control is an illusion no one has ever seen. It’s a myth more pervasive than one I grew up with – the Jersey Devil.

I don’t have a problem believing in things I can’t see; my difficulty is wearing myself out chasing something that doesn’t exist.

If you believe in control, you're part of an overwhelming majority who's never tested their faith. You can easily make me a believer again. Just control your next thought from popping into your head and I’ll readily join your house of worship.

It becomes quite apparent to anyone who’s paying attention that what we're attempting to control is reality. We inflict so much pain on ourselves and others by competing with reality and trying to capture it in a jar. It’s a lifelong quest that leaves your thirst unquenched.

This doesn’t mean we shouldn't take action to adjust a sticky situation we find ourselves in. It simply means if that action comes out of the mindset of control, it will fail. I was chatting with a friend many years ago and remember saying, “I’m all for riding the current wherever it takes me, but there must be a reason they put paddles in the boat.”

The paddles are used to respond to reality, not to control it.

The real gift in life is our ability to respond. Reality gives us countless opportunities to practice every day. The more often you choose a response to reality, the less you're up Control Creek without a paddle.

The sooner you give up chasing control, the more time you have to enjoy the white water rafting ride known as life. Reality will test you, scare you, invigorate you and throw you overboard from time to time. To pre-think reality’s every movement will burn all of your energy and you’ll have none left to respond.

Responding deftly paddles you through the currents. Control leaves you with your oars out of the water.

Which ride do you want to be on?

All the best,

John