Miyamoto tells us “Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself nor others”.
Miyamoto Musashi is surrounded by numerous stories and legends, one of which recounts
his encounter with a group of bandits who sought revenge on their former leader.
Miyamoto advised the bandits to let go of their anger and resentment, highlighting the futility
of revenge and suggesting that they could use their skills for positive purposes instead.
This story demonstrates Miyamoto's belief that it's possible to transform negative
emotions and make a positive impact by choosing a different path in life.
Resentment is a complex emotion that can stem from various situations, such as feeling wronged
or betrayed. It's challenging to let go of resentment since it's often tied to a sense
of injustice or violation of values. Furthermore, our biases and perspectives can fuel resentment,
preventing us from seeing things objectively or considering alternative viewpoints.
When we hold onto resentment, we tend to replay the situation in our minds,
which can keep us stuck in a never-ending cycle of negative thoughts and emotions. This can make it
challenging to move forward and find resolution, and can impair our ability to concentrate on
tasks, make decisions, and interact with others in a positive and productive way.
Instead of dwelling on resentment, Miyamoto encourages people to focus on self-improvement
and cultivate a positive attitude towards life. He believed that developing a clear mind,
strong spirit, and unwavering determination was key to success in any endeavor.
For example imagine
a situation where an employee feels resentful towards a coworker who received a promotion that
they feel they deserved. Instead of harboring resentment and allowing it to negatively affect
their work and relationships with colleagues, the employee can choose to focus on self-improvement
and developing their skills and abilities to increase their chances of future success.
They can also work on cultivating a positive attitude towards their work and colleagues,
seeking out opportunities for collaboration and teamwork rather than competition and
resentment. By letting go of negative emotions and focusing on personal growth,
the employee can achieve greater happiness and success in their career.
Additionally, they may also seek out guidance from their supervisor or HR
department to discuss their career goals and how to achieve them. Breaking free from the
cycle of resentment and complaints involves acknowledging and validating our feelings
while also cultivating empathy and understanding towards others. Seeking support from loved ones,
practicing mindfulness and self-reflection, and developing a compassionate and forgiving
mindset can help us let go of the past and move forward with greater clarity and peace of mind.
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