As I continue reading The Book of Life, one thing really struck me when Krishnamurti talked about the distinction between fact and ideas. He said that fear or worry arises when we mistake our own ideas or thoughts for facts. If we can simply understand the facts without adding our own interpretations, we could be free from fear.
At first, I wasn’t sure what he meant by fact and ideas. Reflecting on it, I realized that whenever I face a situation I don’t like, my mind quickly starts making assumptions. From those assumptions, fear and worry creep in — often without me even realizing it — and then either anxiety kicks in or I react impulsively.
After understanding this difference between fact and idea, I started asking myself whenever worry arises: Is this a fact, or just my idea about it? And whenever I do this, the fear or anxiety often stops right there. It has really worked for me so far.
I know that I am not a fast reader and as a matter of fact, I think I am a slow reader, Reading quickly or finishing many books is not my goal. If there is just one thing I learn from a book that I can apply to my life and make it better or I feel better, I consider it a success.
And if there is just one thing I take away from The Book of Life, this may be it.
Reading Reference: The Book of Life by J. Krishnamurti. HarperOne, 2001.