HOW ATTACHED ARE WE TO OUR REPUTATION?

HOW ATTACHED ARE WE TO OUR REPUTATION?

Very often we may find ourselves in a position when our actions and behaviour although they may make sense to us or we have reasons for them that we are not able to sharewill come into conflict with the way others around you would like you to act or live your life. This can happen at home, at work, with friends, and even within a community. Psychological or emotional tools such as criticism, sarcasm, withdrawal of approval, threats or even rejection can be used to try and force you to comply with the standards set by others or the community.

Many times we comply with these standards set by society. We fall trap to this because we have a deep attachment to our reputation, which sometimes is so strong that it is often very natural and part of us. We have a strong need to be seen as a nice person, the type that will make us work extra hard just to please those around us within our little spheres of influence. We spend time earning brownie points or doing something insincerely to get praise including deceit or manipulation. We become very upset if something stains our reputation in our little groups, may tear down others in anger or do other negative things that can increase our karmic footprint and suffering. Our moods and emotions change from one end to another depending on how we are spoken to or how others speak about us, and we spend a great deal of time and energy focusing on what this person has said, what we should have said back and what we will say the next time we see them, to put them in their place.