An interesting Ted Talk entitled “Is There a Real You” offers one way to develop some perspective on the idea of self. Based on Buddhists views of the self, this approach offers Western thinkers a way to view the self with more flexibility and openness. Compare and contrast it to Eckhart Tolle’s concept of the “pain body“, another Eastern view of the self.
It is important to have a quiet place within ourselves to view our thoughts and impulses. I sometimes use the metaphor of being at Grand Central station in NYC: There are some people who are always on a train, they get off one train, and board another — move quickly from one impulsive action to another. Others develop an ability to sit at the station and watch the trains come and go (i.e.,their thoughts and impulses), before they choose which train to ride.
It is important to have a quiet place within ourselves to view our thoughts and impulses. I sometimes use the metaphor of being at Grand Central station in NYC: There are some people who are always on a train, they get off one train, and board another — move quickly from one impulsive action to another. Others develop an ability to sit at the station and watch the trains come and go (i.e.,their thoughts and impulses), before they choose which train to ride.
