A New Model of Stress: Understanding Stress Through the Three Principles with George Pransky
Stress is often attributed to life’s difficult events—whether it's moving to a new home, going through trauma, or dealing with everyday pressures. But in this second part of his talk on stress, George Pransky offers a completely new model of understanding stress, one that challenges the conventional wisdom about its causes. If stressful events like moving or trauma don’t actually cause stress, then why do we experience it? The answer lies in our thinking, and George breaks down this realization through the lens of the Three Principles—Mind, Thought, and Consciousness.
In the first part of this series, George laid out the idea that stress has become invisible in our lives, blending into our everyday experience so seamlessly that we barely notice it. In this second part, he explains why stress doesn’t come from external circumstances, and how a shift in our understanding can free us from its grasp.
Thought: The True Source of Stress
In our culture, we often believe that stress comes directly from external events. We tell ourselves, “I’m stressed because of work,” or “I’m stressed because of that argument.” But George reveals that stress doesn’t originate from these external events—it comes from our thoughts about those events. While it may seem like a move or a traumatic experience is causing stress, it's actually the thinking we have in reaction to the event that creates the feeling of stress.
This insight is crucial because it shows that stress is not an inevitable part of difficult experiences. Thought is fluid and ever-changing. When we see that thought is the real source of stress, it becomes clear that stress is temporary and does not define us. As our thinking shifts, the feelings of stress can dissolve.
Consciousness: Expanding Our Awareness of Stress
Consciousness allows us to become aware of the thought patterns that create our experience of stress. Often, we’re not aware that we’re caught up in stressful thinking until it overwhelms us. By deepening our awareness, we can see when our thoughts are creating unnecessary pressure or tension. This awareness allows us to pause and take a step back, rather than reacting immediately to what we believe is causing our stress.
When we expand our consciousness, we gain the ability to observe our thoughts and emotions, instead of being controlled by them. This understanding leads to greater resilience and calm, even in challenging situations.
Mind: Trusting in the Deeper Wisdom Behind Stress
At the heart of George’s message is the understanding that the deeper intelligence of Mind can guide us through stressful situations. When we trust in Mind, we stop trying to control everything around us and instead allow insight and clarity to arise naturally. By connecting with this wisdom, we can navigate life’s challenges with more peace and ease, rather than being trapped by stress.
Mind shows us that stress is not something to be managed or fought against—it’s something to see through. When we recognize that stress is a product of temporary thought, we stop giving it power over our lives.
Looking Ahead: Part Three
This is just part two of a three-part series where George Pransky challenges the common ideas around stress. In part three, he will dive deeper into how we can live with more freedom from stress and find a greater sense of peace and well-being.
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