231214 What I learned in my studies this morning 4

Flew above the clouds.
Pigs in the sky, I'd have guessed.
I never thought I'd...

Today's Meditation(s):

How many psychologists does it take to change a light bulb? Just one, but it has to want to change. (Translated from the original Linear B.)

But it's true though. When I have a goal and consistently don't achieve it, it's always because, somewhere deep inside, I'm not ready to make that change yet.  Whether it's losing weight, exercising, quitting a bad habit, whatever . . . if I'm not committed to it, it doesn't happen. No matter how much I 'want it'.

And that's with a supposedly friendly subject.

I offer less advice than I used to. I try to convince people less often now. I express my point minus the ferver because I've learned through experience what the teaching above spells out so clearly: if they aren't willing to hear it, no case I make nor rhetoric I use will change their mind. In fact, it often backfires on me and cements them more firmly against my position.

I can plant seeds, but this is a much subtler approach. And much briefer. And much better received, if it's noticed at all.

Stop talking unless I have valid reasons to believe they want to hear what I have to say. Otherwise, I'm either trying to show off or just talking to hear myself speak.