The Real Source of Stress: Part One with George Pransky
Stress is one of the most significant issues in modern life. Whether it shows up at work, in our personal relationships, or in how we experience day-to-day challenges, stress has a way of infiltrating every aspect of our lives. Studies suggest that stress not only contributes to a wide range of illnesses but also limits our effectiveness, impacts our relationships, and detracts from our overall sense of well-being. But what if stress isn’t as inevitable as we think?
In this first part of a talk given by George Pransky, he explores the nature of stress and how it has become almost invisible in our daily lives—something we just assume is part of modern existence. As George explains, stress has woven itself into the fabric of how we think, work, and live, but this doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. He begins to challenge the current thinking about stress, setting the stage for a more profound understanding that he’ll dive into in later segments.
Stress: A Product of Thought
Through the lens of the Three Principles—Mind, Thought, and Consciousness—we begin to see that stress isn’t caused by external circumstances. Rather, stress is the result of our thinking. When our minds are full of anxious, pressured thoughts, we experience stress. What’s fascinating is that most of us have come to accept stress as a given. It’s become invisible, something we assume must always be present in certain situations like deadlines at work or parenting challenges. But George encourages us to question that assumption.
He lays out a logic of how stress has become ingrained in our lives. We are conditioned to believe that the outside world—our jobs, finances, or relationships—is responsible for our feelings of stress. However, stress is a product of thought in the moment, and thought is constantly changing. This insight sets the stage for a radical shift in how we understand and respond to stress.
Stress is Not Inevitable
The brilliance of George’s message is that it’s not about managing stress through techniques or trying to eliminate external stressors. Instead, it’s about recognizing that stress is a creation of thought. This realization alone can significantly reduce its impact. In later parts of this video series, George will explain why stress doesn’t have to be a permanent feature in our lives.
When we understand that thought is creating our stress, we realize we have the power to see through it. Thoughts come and go—they don’t define us or our experience. The more we see through the illusion of stressful thinking, the more we experience the clarity and peace that are always available beneath the surface.
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning. In future parts of this video series, George will dive deeper into why stress isn’t an inevitable part of life and how a simple shift in understanding can lead to a more peaceful, effective, and joyful experience. So stay tuned for parts two and three, where George will explore this transformative understanding further.
Bonus entertainment factor: watch George try his hand at acting throughout the talk!
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