A State of Neutrality

Have you ever been in a situation where you are relatively close to the event, however your particularly indifferent about the outcome - while others around you seem to be overreacting? This is the closest example I can provide about being in "A State of Neutrality."

Shakespeare said it best through Hamlet that "there is nothing either good or
bad, but thinking makes it so. To me it is a prison." In reality this is a profound truth that must be given some attention. Why? Because if thinking is what makes things good or bad, then what is to be said of Neutrality? Well in Neutrality, is where the power lies.

When neutral in any given situation, you can DECIDE how to respond to the situation, as opposed to having a knee-jerk reaction, or at the mercy of the event. Your definitions and beliefs are what decide what is good or bad, and thus produce your experience. But if you're able to maintain "A State of Neutrality" regardless of what events happen around you, then you've taken your power back. You are no longer at the mercy of an "unfair life."

There is a Zen / Taoist story of an old farmer who had worked his crops for many years. One day his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came to visit.

"Such bad luck," they said sympathetically.

"We'll see," the farmer replied.

The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses.

"How wonderful," the neighbors exclaimed.

"We'll see," replied the old man.

The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown, and broke his leg. The neighbors again came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune.

"We'll see," answered the farmer.

The day after, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the son's leg was broken, they passed him by. The neighbors congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out.

"We'll see" said the farmer.

Being in a state of neutrality is a state of mind, and one that - if mastered - can provide you with the power to lead a life of pure happiness, completely and utterly under your own control. If you are quick to judge, and quick to respond without question - you are in the prison of mind spoken of by Shakespeare and others like him.

RG