Litany against running
This is an attempt at formulating my approach to emotions and experiences, at the expense of being cringe.
Here's what I'd like to call:
Litany against running (away or towards)
I must not fear negative emotions.
Painful experiences are opportunities to learn.
They usually have to pass first.
I will not cower from or avoid negative emotions, but I will survive them.
I will permit them to pass over me and through me.
And when they're gone, I will turn the inner eye to look for a lesson.
I must not chase positive emotions.
Pleasant experiences enrich life, but can be addicting.
I will not chase highs.
I will enjoy good times and let them pass when they're over.
And when they're gone, I will use their memories to build strength for when pain comes next.
I will experience all that presents itself to be experienced.
And when it goes past, only I will remain.
Inspirations
Besides the obvious starting point of the litany against fear for vibes and form, I imagined what if the Bene Gesserit also taught the Heart Sutra and CBT (I'm not an expert at either).
Newcomers to Buddhism or stoicism often mistakenly think those philosophies' goal is to eliminate negative emotions. This also included past me at various points in life.
This litany fits my philosophy and brain (I have bad memory, which predisposes me against being sentimental, "living in the past", or holding grudges).
If you're looking for a less pretentious way of saying what this litany does: a bookstore/café I used to work at had on one wall a message in blocky letters. It read It won't always be like this (PL: nie zawsze tak będzie). It's a less grim memento mori.
Or, if you want more litany-type things as tools for growth, here are two on truth-seeking that I like:
Amendment 1
...with the exception of dogs.
I will run to and pet all the dogs I can (if they want, no pressure 🥺👉👈).
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