Checklist of Attachments and Perceptions

On the MySpace Buddhism discussion group, this question was asked:

If there is a really negative situation, how do you function within that situation? How do you attempt to bring positive energy into the negativity?

My answer:

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed that many negative situations are based on my perceptions and ego more than anything else. Whenever I feel like a certain situation is negative, I first go through my personal checklist of attachments and perceptions:

• Was I expecting something that isn’t here?
• Does this situation or the people in it make my ego vulnerable?
• Did I do something negative that brought on this negative situation?
• Am I guilty of something that this negative situation is bringing to light?
• Am I in control of my perception or is the situation in control of my perception?
• Does this situation make me forget that I have a WHOLE LIFETIME’S worth of accomplishments, or did I just let this situation take over my self esteem?
• Did I come here because I wanted to or because of peer pressure?
• Am I doing this because I’m desperate?
• Am I assessing the situation using “morality” as a guideline, instead of practicality and health?

Good chance that I’ll answer yes to one of the above, in which case I’ll correct it by telling myself and/or the people around me at least one truth that will obliterate my ego. That usually releases a pressure valve and things go better after.