This following post is about an event that happened this past week which I would love to share with all of you.
Please note that all Biblical references are stated in a historical context and not with the intent to convert anyone. My personal belief is that all religion is one and it is not my place or desire to make anyone think that one expression of God is superior to another.
On Monday of this past week, I had to stop off at the local Whole Foods to pick up a few ingredients for a dish that I wanted to make. That morning, my mind was kind of focused on my disappointment with the state of the world.
Being that I am an idealist, I have always found it strange that people put more value on money than on human interactions. Ever since I can remember, I have always been of the mindset that part of life is to give and to help others. I never really thought about my own financial needs.
I never really gave much thought to the concept of retirement. I just always figured that life was about helping people. I always thought it was far wiser to invest in people than in things. I figured that the money aspect would just take care of itself.
The motivation to be of service has been a constant and that morning I was disgusted with the selfishness of others and those that have no regard for people who may have less than them. I have never understood people who were intolerant of those whose skin color or religion or sexual preference or social status was different from their own. We are all equal after all and I have always struggled with people whose view of the world was less humanitarian than my own.
When I got out of my car, I could see by the entrance that there were protesters who were voicing their concern over the recent health care debate that is happening in America right now. I will not state what their point of view was because I do not want to offend anyone. For the record, let me just say that seeing their signs only made my blood boil more.
With each step towards the entrance, I was having one judgmental thought after another. As I got closer, I saw their signs which misquoted and misrepresented the facts. That made me even more mad.
There were three or four people at the table and they were all congratulating each other for reasons unknown. They were so occupied with themselves, they did not try to stop me and I was grateful. However, my inner fires were on full blast.
As I walked in the store, I grabbed a basket and had the following thought: “how can they intentionally distort the facts….I mean…how can they be so hypocritical?” For some reason with that last thought, I stopped my inner dialogue and just focused on that last sentence.
The human mind works in very interesting ways and with that last thought, my mind for one reason or another thought of Jesus and how in the midst of being made fun of, he kept silent. Silence, contrary to what others might think, is far more powerful than it may appear. For to keep your mouth shut when being taunted is truly an act of courage.
Granted, there are moments when you need to talk and be loud in order to be heard. The wisdom comes in learning when to talk and when to keep your mouth shut. I then pondered what good would it do if I went up to those people and gave them a piece of my mind.
Would it change their point of view? Probably not. If anything, it would only make them angrier and pretty soon there would be a yelling match. When a person believes that their point of view is the only view and that it is the right view, they will never really listen to another perspective.
As I walked through the supermarket, I realized that those people who were out there protesting were speaking out for something that they felt was important. The fact that they had the desire to stand in the cold, promoting what they felt was right was admirable. I mean…they did not have to do it.
From thoughts of Jesus, my mind drifted to thoughts of the Dalai Lama. Here is a man whose whole message is rooted in nonviolence and yet he is turned down from world leaders out of fear of how China will react. A simple monk who walks around in a monastic robe scares world leaders…how is that possible?
People complain about the fears of terrorism yet we commit acts of violence every day without really realizing it. My inner tirade as I walked up to the entrance of the supermarket was an act of violence. I am not proud of this for I wish I did not waste time on being angry at something that I could not change.
To judge another person prevents us from seeing our common humanity. Those people who were protesting were fighting for something that they felt threatened their way of life. Granted, even though I may think that they were crazy, they probably think my point of view is crazy, too.
In the eyes of God, we are probably both crazy because we are insisting that our respective opinions are the right versions of the truth.
If you are someone who is raised with the belief that people who are different from you are dangerous, you will carry that belief for the rest of your life unless you have an experience or realization that makes you think differently.
Yes, some viewpoints are wrong such as racist thinking or thoughts of wanting to commit acts of physical violence. Anytime we do not respect the humanness of another person, we are doing something not right.
As I stood in line to pay for my groceries, my inner dialogue reflected thoughts of love and peace. I actually felt compassion for the people out there protesting. They are no different from me. Yes, they may look different and may have different beliefs but at our core, we are the same.
When I walked out of the store, one of the protesters said hello to me. I simply smiled and he smiled back.
{ 46 comments }
Hi Nadia,
This reminds me very much of a belief I have that “who am I to judge, not having walked in their footsteps”. And then it reminds me of a story of my own – from last weekend – where I did exactly that – in ways I’m not proud of at all. It involved a soccer game, and what I perceived as a lack of communication over a game that was canceled. I wrote an email (because I didn’t have a telephone number to call) that was far less that complimentary, and bordered on being highly critical. In the end, it wasn’t nearly as cut and dry as I was looking at it. And it just made me realize, once again, that my words can hurt – if I choose to let them. Honestly, I try very, very hard to see the good in all – and this moment is one that is continuing to stand out as how…sometimes we mess up. And it’s not right for me to judge.
Anyway, this very much reminds me of this story. And one I tried to correct, however I’m not sure that my original words have been forgotten. And I feel truly bad for having allowed myself to think that I “knew it all”….when the truth is, there’s no way I ever could.
Nadia, it’s good to read this today, and again be reminded of what truly matters in this life we live…
.-= Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day =-.
Hi Lance,
Thank you so much for being so open. I really honor and value that. Have no worries, you are not alone. We all have done that and will do that at some point or another. The key is that you were aware of what happened and that is awesome. Some people do not take the time to evaluate why they do what they do or even are aware that what they do causes pain, so you are winner on both counts.
Hi Nadia .. your take on life is so profound and brings us all to the place we should be. And I absolutely agree with you – silence is golden.
At times it is difficult and not always the right thing to do, especially when you yourself need answers, so you can understand and ‘close’ that aspect. However it can be a learning curve too – especially with what I have recently experienced, and what I continue to go through.
Yes – they are lucky in our countries you are allowed to (within reason) express yourself .. other countries they wouldn’t be able to do that.
Smiling and making eye contact doesn’t put you in their camp – it shows that quietness can make its mark too – I wonder if he wondered why you’d smiled at him?
Thanks – Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
.-= Hilary´s last blog ..What can you read from Kitchen Utensils? =-.
Hi Hilary,
How I wish I could take the first paragraph of your comment and send it to my relatives who think I am the biggest failure in the world. Please know that my take on life is not profound. It truly is not….I just have spent years studying spirituality intensely and so I truly try to live what I study. Some days I do very well and other days I do not. I am human after all but I do try to be the best that I can be. Otherwise, what is the point of being here. Life is more than clothes, food, sex, and so on.
You are so right that we are fortunate to live in countries that allow us to protest peacefully. That is not the case in other parts of the world. It is amazing how speech can scare so many and yet silence has the same effect too.
As I wrote in a response to one of the other comments you left today, it is nice to see you on here. You have been in my thoughts and prayers. Hope all is going well.
Nadia:
Thanks for sharing this story. I admire how you were able to shift your thinking in the middle of being angry…no easy task. I absolutely agree with you on the power of silence. Yes, there are moments when it is necessary to speak out, but you were in a situation where it would have been pointless. I think you’ve hit the nail on the head…we need a little less judgement in our world and a little more empathy.
Hi Tim,
It is funny, when my thoughts were wrapped up in being angry, it was amazing how fast they were coming. It was one judgment after another. Then when I heard myself think the word “hypocrite” that was the turning point. It was then that I realized that the finger that I was pointing to the protesters was really pointed back to me. I then saw that I needed to just see what was happening. That said, there are situations where it is hard for me to not be frustrated or angry. So I am not perfect.
And yes, there are moments when we do need to speak out and the key is to know when to do so. That in my mind is an art form. Because sometimes when we are so passionate about something, it is hard to be level-headed. However, although it may be hard, it is possible. And yay for more empathy. I totally agree.
Hi Nadia,
I loved this story, girl!
You and I are a lot alike. We have many of the same values and approaches to the world, so, I’m here agreeing with you, yet again.
I know what you mean about seeing things that don’t “jive” with your thoughts and opinions and it making your blood boil. It was so great that you could see things from the perspective you described – that was simply lovely. And, wow, the power of thoughts! I love the way your story ended, with a hello and a smile.
The other added benefit of calming your thoughts is that your body gets to stop freaking out and producing cortisol (and other biochemicals), which are bad for your health. Good for you, Nadia!
.-= Lori´s last blog ..Chillax and Unplug =-.
Hi Lori,
Yay for being alike!
Cortisol and I have been in battle with each other for years. For most of my teens and twenties, it was winning the battle. However, things changed when I hit 30 and now I think I am winning ground. You are so right, the body does not need those stinky biochemicals to be released unless I am being chased by a lion. Then that would make much more sense than getting worked up over a protester.
I get mad at people when they drive all crazy, weaving in and out of traffic. I ask myself, “Why do they have to be such idiots?”
I caught myself rushing home from work to pick up my son. I was the idiot racing in and out of traffic. I felt justified.
The people who drive this way always feel justified in doing this or they probably wouldn’t do it. It was this realization that made me slow down. I also realized that I can’t judge people only show compassion because they think they have a right to do what they do.
Thanks for making me think about this today.
.-= Karl Staib – Work Happy Now´s last blog ..Hard, Fun, and the Beautiful – Before it Gets Cold Edition =-.
Hi Karl,
You are most welcome and thank you for sharing your story. I think it is awesome that you are so aware of your actions. I think we all struggle with this on some level. So often we justify our actions because we feel we have reasons to do what we do. We forget that other people have their reasons too.
Interesting that you talk about Jesus because in one of the books I read about him, he talks about experiencing and observing reality and only in those moments you can find your truth.
Truth about things in never archetypal and will be found in an experience that you then honestly perceive and observe from your heart.
You just gave a beautiful example of that. You experienced your thruth about being careful with judgment and honestly looking at what was going on.
THAT makes for world peace and wealth for all, if only we all could see the sense of doing this.
And I too would like to add that Lance does have to forgive himself as well as that experience was his way to find his truth about judgment.
As you said in your previous post, Nadia, this stuff seems hard but when you can look at life this way, it becomes so less confusing and ugly, instead it gives you your power back and puts it where it belongs, in our heart.
It is also a great guideline for practical living as in teh end what we do daily will make the difference.
As always, hugs to you, Wilma
.-= Wilma Ham´s last blog ..Part 1. Hate making requests? You’d better get over it. They are key to having you fly. =-.
Hi Wilma,
Life is truly meant to be simple but we have complicated it. Today I was reminded that some people will look at spirituality and compassion as not being realistic. I think there is so much emphasis on being realistic that people forget to be real. No one is perfect. No one has all the answers and we are all here to learn on some level. If we were perfect, we would not be here (according to Buddhist and Christian beliefs).
Marianne Williamson has a quote where she says that people would rather be right than happy. The question is that what is right for one person may be wrong for another. I liked what you wrote about truth and am curious, which book on Jesus are you referring to? It sounds very interesting.
Hope all is well and hugs right back at you!
Hi Nadia,
It’s nice that you came full circle in your thoughts by the time you left the market. This reminds me of Byron Katie’s lesson about how we must show love and kindness toward those who don’t understand (or that we don’t perceive understand) if we want to be happy. You could have kept festering and gone home and called a friend or two and passed along your frustration, but instead you came around and stood at the register feeling love and peace. Nice work! Thank you for sharing your lesson with us!
.-= Jodi at Joy Discovered´s last blog ..Love in All Directions =-.
Hi Jodi,
One thing that all the world religions seems to emphasize in one way or another is the importance of love and kindness. It seems to be the backbone of so many beliefs and yet how often do we really act from such a place? The monkey mind just starts going and before you know it, we are all worked up for no good reason. Byron Katie is so right. We forget that happiness is really a form of love and kindness. And not a material possession.
Hope all is awesome!
I’m embarrassed to admit it but I really love this song from Lengka.
Anyway, I glad you’ve observed something about yourself during your experience with the protesters. I always think that we are foolish, we look at the errors of other and yet are blind to our own.
.-= Walter´s last blog ..Self mastery: the feared path =-.
Hi Walter,
That song is catchy. I first heard it on an episode of Grey’s Anatomy that I saw online. I eventually was able to find it and am happy that you love it.
You are so right, often we are quick to pick up on the “mistakes” of others without seeing our own. One thing that I am really trying to master is to be in the moment and focused in non-duality. Some days are easier than others.
Hi Nadia,
What a wonderful lesson in life and in silence. Like you, there have been times when I have judged others because their beliefs appeared to be different than mine. Age is teaching me we are all not that much different. Sure, we have different points of view and/or beliefs, but in the end, we’re all human beings – human beings who deserve respect, just as much as we want it.
I love how your story ended, with a smile – a happy ending. (something I’m a sucker for)
.-= Barbara Swafford´s last blog ..Pajama Blogging – Fact or Fiction =-.
Hi Barbara,
I am a sucker for a happy ending too.
So I am happy to have been able to provide one for you.
And I totally agree, human beings do deserve respect and usually the respect starts with us. So often people wait for others to respect them without realizing that what you put out into the world will come back to you tenfold (at least).
Another great exploration, Nadia – thank you! As you know I’m a great fan of not trying not to should all over myself or others. You also know I don’t always manage.
All of our pain is caused when we resist what is and we think that things should be different from how they are. We cause our own pain when we think things ‘should’ be different and we stop observing the world with curiosity and gratitude, focusing on behaviours we’d like to change in other people instead of focusing on our own responses and controllable thoughts.
I’d really love to know what those protestors were protesting about; I know you can’t tell us, but I’m really curious about what angers my friends. It’s a great way to get to know them.
.-= janice´s last blog ..Clutter: What are You Really Holding Onto…and Why? =-.
Hi Janice,
You are welcome and thank you for always being so supportive.
You made an excellent point about how sometimes our own misery is due to the fact that we resist what is and focus on more of what we think should be. People do cause their own pain at times and how liberating it is to be aware of that reality. We are so powerful…we can create our own bliss or our own hell.
Hi Nadia,
Wow. I can definitely relate to your experience. I am a passionate individual and when I feel, I feel intensley and I have been in situations much like you decribed here. It took me a few years to realize, as you already have, that we are all connected and very much alike, despit our many differences. I have been humbled a few times by just “knowing” I was right…only to find out later how wrong I was. Experiences like that helped teach me that everyone has different views and opinions and it’s possible they may be right!
Thank you for being so open and sharing this experience. I am certain it will help many people.
.-= Keith´s last blog ..Overload Your Life! =-.
Hi Keith,
Thank you so much for all that you wrote and for sharing your experiences. I think it is so important that in interacting with each other, we be transparent. I think so often people like to act like they know all the answers but no one really does. We all are struggling with our own issues and I think it is so vital that we share our struggles openly. That way we can learn from one another. We each have an area of expertise and we each can learn from one another.
Good for you for seeing that we are all more alike than different! That is awesome!
Nadia, I absolutely love where you landed with that. As I read, I kept thinking, “I hope she realized that she was them and they were her…” and indeed, once I reached the end you told us all that you most certainly did. I’ve had similar moments of feeling my defenses rise up against another person or situation. In retrospect, I’ve then been able to see how my reactions were simply the result of seeing myself reflected back to me. Whatever I saw in the person or situation that I didn’t like was something I, too, was capable of (or had practiced).
I’m proud of you, and proud of the compassion that was shown on both sides of the table as you left the store.
Hooray for love! Hooray for you!
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s last blog ..A Study in Sibling Reverie =-.
Hi Megan,
You are so sweet and kind. Thank you so much.
It is awesome that you have the awareness that we are all mirrors for one another. What a difference it would make if more people realized that truth. I am proud of you too! Keep shining and spreading joy!
Seng-ts’an writes in a poem: “Do not seek the truth; only cease to cherish opinions.” This is of course the opposite of what we have been taught. We have been taught to seek–seek the beliefs about God, religion, spirituality, politics; and frequently, we seek to oppose beliefs. In fact, it is highly respected when we have strong beliefs and opinions.
So it is with enormous irony–the kind of irony that only Life is capable of–that Truth opens up when we can release the clinging to any fixed point of view.
I love this post. It is very honest and takes me through the spectrum of emotions that we all go through in these situations, and ends up in innocence.
.-= Kaushik´s last blog ..Innocence… =-.
Hi Kaushik,
That is a great line from Seng-ts’an. I love it! Thank you for sharing that with all of us. I so much agree. Opinions can be dangerous because eventually they become perceived absolute truths.
You also raised a great point about how it is highly respected to have strong beliefs and opinions. The irony is that those who ended up being great souls usually were quite silent. Loud does equal right and so often we think that it does.
Thank you for saying that you loved this post. It is my belief that in order to really accomplish something in communicating with people, there has to be some transparency. If I were perfect, I would not be here. So the fact that I am alive and in human form means I have some work to do. I think it is far better to be honest and acknowledge ones flaws as opposed to acting like there are no flaws.
So often in life people talk from mask to mask and that is a waste of time. We all are important, we all our own areas of expertise and we all can learn from one another if we just are open and honest. I really try to do that and I am grateful that it was apparent with this post.
Wow!! What an honest story. I love that about you and your writing. You are SO honest about your feelings and it makes you more real to others, makes it easier for others to then explore their own feelings free of judgment. We also feel more human, which can be healing in itself.
I really like this as it hits right into something I think a lot about lately. Everyday I try more and more to judge less and less. Something my husband and I were talking about is that for many people it literally is a habit, and at times even more, an addiction. I keep thinking of that phrase (and I can’t remember the exact words or who wrote it): When we judge another person we do not define the other person; we define ourselves.” I just never forgot that. It really stops me in my tracks.
You are doing a great job here, Nadia, a truly powerful job. I bow to your honest heart. You make people stand up and take notice….and you them free. Thank you dear Nadia. Hugs, Robin
.-= Robin Easton´s last blog ..Five Perspectives on Death =-.
Hi Robin,
Well….what we see in others is a reflection of ourselves. So all the things you said about me are reflections about you. You are always so honest in your writing. That is one of the many reasons why I love reading your blog….you are an authentic soul, speaking your truth. May more people learn from your example.
The quote you mentioned is one that I have come across too and it is so true. When we judge another, we are defining ourselves. I really do try to not judge. Some days are really easy and other days it is more of a challenge. I guess that is part of the human experience. We are all works in progress and we are all the sum total of all our experiences. If we knew better, we would do better. I really believe that so may we all do better. Hugs and blessing to you!
I value the way you have told this story. It’s a very human experience and one that we can all learn from.
Thank you for sharing and adding something valuable to my day.
best wishes
Ribbon
Hi Ribbon,
Thank you so much for all the kind words. I am grateful that the post brought some added value to your day. Your comment did the same for me.
Nadia,
What a bold and honest look at your own inner struggle. I find myself in similar situations at times…most of the time I too will choose silence too, once I recognize that my inner indignation (righteous as I think I am in the moment) will only promote more violence in the form of provoked speech and thoughts. There are times and ways to speak out, to act on behalf of someone who cannot protect him or her self. There are peaceful ways to make our voices heard without twisting the truth or trying to make someone else into “the bad guy”. Choosing when and if it is the right time to speak is a powerful tool indeed. When we remember to breathe and witness the fullness of the situation, we awaken to the humanity in all people. A tall task when we feel our values are being threatened. It took courage and a true commitment to peace to hold your tongue and smile politely. Thank you for sharing your story. I’m so glad I stopped by your blog this evening.
Hi Laura,
Thank you so much for the kind words and for sharing your thoughts too. I have come to realize that if I am at peace within myself, it becomes easier to know when to be silent and when to speak up.
Whenever my mind gets in a whirlwind, that is the worst place to take a stand because chances are it is all my ego. So much of human experience boils down to perception and awareness. The more aware we become, the more loving we become and with that love we come to see that we are all trying to find our way. What will heal the word is love and not violence. So yay for peace!
Great song – catchy too, ya know – ow – ow? This post is a peaceful example of total acceptance – and man oh man, doesn’t it take a while to get THERE! Oh I agree there is so much going on in this world that upsets the beegeebee’s out of me IF I let it. I really prefer NOT to be in a pissy mood, which I get in to if I watch the news or get exposed to stupidity and intolerance. A quick recipe for me is actually telling myself to take a chill pill and put on the duct tape. It’s my contribution to non-violence.
.-= suzen´s last blog ..Wasting Time – MillieWisdom on Worry =-.
Hi SuZen,
I wonder if wholesale clubs sell chill pills in a supersize. That way I could stand on the corner and pass them out for free and make people smile! How’s that for public service?
And that song is catchy…ow ow! Have a beautiful day!
Nadia – I share everyone else’s admiration on how honest this is, and how well it reflects the reactions and process we can all relate to so well…for myself, I have lived this exact scenario with my extended family many times. It has been a big learning for me in the shared humanity of everyone, because I love them dearly, but honestly cannot fathom some of their beliefs. But it’s been a blessing in this way, because it has truly shown me firsthand that disagreement and love can co-exist and never to confuse the two and allow disagreement to become hate…that is going on in our country so much lately, and like you, I don’t want even my stray thoughts to contribute to that energy if I can help it…and, interestingly, in the times we have been able to engage on issues and disagree openly, I have learned a lot and it has informed my views…but knowing when this kind of discussion can really occur and when it can’t has been key…
.-= Lisa (mommymystic)´s last blog ..Tibetan Knowledge on Birth, PPD, Motherhood, and Childcare =-.
Hi Lisa,
You raised a great point about how love and disagreement can co-exist. So often we think it cannot but it can. I think the key, which you so beautifully stated, is to have a discussion about it without tempers rising.
How I wish some members of my extended family would be like that because I really believe in talking about what divides us as opposed to ignoring and judging it. Often there is so much miscommunication which gets confused as being “truth”.
Hope all is awesome!
Ah Nadia – what a lovely post!
I do think matters are not quite as straightforward with political things – I gather the stance they were taking was one you believed would potentially endanger the lives and health of people? In that sort of situation, channelling the anger to something useful is an option, too.
I had a similar situation recently with lots of young mothers who let their very young children ride very fast and unsupervised on scooters on the footpath of our local shops, on the way to the kindergarten, right past where we have coffee every day. Many elderly people use the footpath too, and I felt they were at risk from the scooters, and I was very angry at the “stupid” mothers.
I sensed my anger would stop me from being effective if I said anything to the mothers, so decided to take action, and I began by walking up to the kinder and noting it’s name and location, so I could ring the council and/or police. That was about 3 weeks ago – and although I haven’t rung anyone, I haven’t seen a scooter since! (this was happening almost every day). It’s not over yet – but it’s an encouraging beginning!
.-= Robin´s last blog ..Keeping Body And Soul Together =-.
Hi Robin,
What a great example of taking matters in your own hands in a peacefull way! That is awesome and inspiring too. Good for you! Thank you for sharing that experience. It is full of wisdom.
And yes, my anger was rooted in the feeling that what the protesters were advocating would harm millions of people who really do need health care. However, nothing came to mind as to what I could do at that particular moment which would have really made a difference.
Some moments require silence and that was one of them. Hope all is well.
I think that if your inner dialogue didn’t reflect love and peace when you were in the store, the protester probably wouldn’t have said anything to you. How we feel is usually reflected back to us. Thank you for sharing this message with us.
.-= Carla´s last blog ..The Two Dollar Bill =-.
Hi Carla,
That is an interesting point and I agree with you. What we send out, comes back to us. So since I was having thoughts of love and peace, he probably felt safe enough to say something. It is kind of funny considering my state of mind when I entered the store was quite the opposite.
Thank you for pointing this out. Hope all is awesome with you!
Hi Nadia,
This reminds me of the state of soured relationships between biomoms and stepmoms…a relationship with all the odds stacked against it because we’re programmed to believe that the mother and the other mother aren’t supposed to get along. It upsets the Ozzie and Harriet, white picket fence, 2.3 kids, and happily everafter.
I advise stepmoms who want to give a biomom “a piece of their mind,” to give them “peace of mind” instead.
In yoga, the first yama is “ahimsa” or non-violence. Every day, we have the opportunity to reliquish hostility.
Bravo to you for working it through while you shopped, because your smile and the protester’s smile is an act of mutual kindness that has a far reaching ripple effect.
.-= Peggy´s last blog ..FNLEHPY =-.
Hi Peggy,
That is a great point about how the relationships between stepmoms and biomoms can be the kind of situation that could be volatile.
You are so right…it is far wiser to give “peace of mind” as opposed to “piece of mind”. Actually, that is true for all situations requiring interaction between human beings. For as you stated as well as Carla…such positive interactions create a ripple effect. So yay for positive ripples!
Hope all is awesome!
Super-insightful post here Nadia. I too have to take a good look at myself when I feel angry at someone else expressing a view that is different than mine. When I seek to hear them silenced I am doing none of us any good.
It’s funny because there is always so much more happening on multiple levels that most of us tune into. We often see only what we want to.
YES!!! We are ALL equal, all valuable, all loved by One God.
And peace always starts within US!
Bravo, Sistah! you rock, as usual.
.-= Jannie Funster´s last blog ..Rose DesRochers: Just how Great IS She? =-.
Hi Jannie,
Well said….there is usually so much more happening than what we can see. The key is to remember that when our tempers are starting to rise.
Actually, your comment reminds me of the joke about the word assume. The joke goes that one should never assume because that usually means to make an ass out of you and me.
And yay for me rocking! Woo hoo!!! The same goes for you too!
Hi Nadia,
Beautiful post. Until we “see” everyone and everything as GOD we will continue to judge…thinking that we are right and they are wrong. The ego needs this feeling…of being right to give it self importance….for it knows its existence hangs on it. Our higher selves understand that the other view is only GOD expressing himself too…just as our view is. And, I wonder…would our view of a certain situation have any meaning if there was not the opposite view to gauge it against. In other words, black has no meaning without white…up has no meaning without down.They both simply are…and GOD simply is.
The way you handled the situation was so human and so real…and yet you arrived at a place….LOVE….in the end.
When we truly LOVE (not unconditional love for that implies that LOVE has conditions…LOVE could never have conditions) we experience LIFE as GOD and we embrace all of it.
Thank you for inspiring me today with your honest post.
I will definitely be back.
Kathy
.-= Kathy Dobson´s last blog ..Student and Guru =-.
Hi Kathy,
Thank you so much for stopping by. I have seen your comments on other sites and have always enjoyed them. So it is wonderful to see you here.
I think you made a great point about how “up” has no meaning without “down”. That is so true. Often we define things by what they are not. Ultimately the best thing, I guess, is to not define anything. It is what it is and there is no need for us to categorize it. The key is to remember that when we are immersed in the world, right?
Your point about experiencing life as God is so beautiful, powerful and true. Thank you so much for sharing it with all of us.
Have a beautiful day!
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