Tag: judgement

The Nature of Our Perfection.

I had a dear friend who suffered numerous mental breakdowns.Initially occurring solely during crisis-when the heart and mind became so misaligned that there was very few, if any other, outcome.

As the disease progressed, her conditioned worsened – paranoia peaking in moments of great duress. “I wish they could see what I see,” she once shared, referring to those who judged her. She was so consumed by their perception – how she looked, dressed, acted…little things, like the way she wore her hair.

Everything had a purpose, and that was to hide – to assume a mask of seemingly greater value. Though, one day, when she had an argument with a neighbor the entirety of her charade came crashing down.

“You crazy (expletive)” the neighbor snarled.

It didn’t matter whether he was ‘wrong’ or ‘right’ (if there ever was such a thing). What mattered more was the nature of his judgement; the act of being seen through another’s eyes.

We go through each day judging ourselves, our experiences and other people. The habit becoming so deeply ingrained that we fail to recognize our commonality. We are perfection, and likewise an empty vessel. We seek to find, to learn and to grow.

But when our mind is jaded, we see only the flaws and doubt in our journey. Reflected always before us – in everything we see, touch and engage.

“Tell me, my friend,” she said in a moment of clarity, “How are you any different? Do we not each travel this path in our own way?”

Each of us has a part, and each of us has a place. Where we differ is in our willingness to acknowledge the degree in which we are all the same. We have hopes, we have dreams and we all wish for peace.

Sending love, my sweet friends…

Namaste ❣️

This Path to Peace.

What if God were everywhere? In all things, rich and poor? In the pining of the forest crucifers, and the gently rolling hills?

Would His presence serve to alter perception? To modify the basis for all interaction? Might we finally sense our depth of commonality? The broader impact of our interconnection?

Would we be so quick to offer conviction? To view from a space absent compassion?

There is much in this world we can not understand; the movement of heart, the joining of hands.

What if God were everywhere, including within?

In peace, my sweet friends…

Namaste ❤️

Learning to Love In Spite of Our Pain.

“Among the men and women, the multitude,
I perceive one picking me out by secret and divine signs,
Acknowledging none else—not parent, wife, husband, brother, child,
any nearer than I am;
Some are baffled—But that one is not—that one knows me.” – Walt Whitman

I had the occasion yesterday to face one of my most outspoken critics.

Yes, my darlings – believe it or not, I experience them, too. And though, I’m generally well liked amongst my team, it seems – not everyone can be pleased.

Indeed, not everyone can be pleased. Likewise, some beliefs may be formed and founded on that which is completely unrelated to you.

And, since when is it our place upon this earth to right the opinion of others? To do so, would be an endlessly impossible task.

“It’s not what you look at that matters,” shared author, Henry David Thoreau, “it’s what you see.”

We spend so much of our time locked inside of judgement’s snare. Whether by way of self-criticism, or our discernment of others – our minds can’t help but to tumble inward.

But, what is it that we’re truly seeing?

Do we see ourselves through the eyes of compassion? Or, via the harsh veil of another person’s criticism?

More so, has it become such a deeply ingrained response – that, we’re often unaware of our movement towards it? These nearly imperceptible fluctuations of heart, at times seem so sadly unnoticed – as ‘common’ as the air we breathe.

Have we become, perhaps, so inadvertently ‘numb’ to the energy of loving-kindness?

I certainly don’t think so.

As for every instance of surly snipping, there’s a moment of compassion to replace it.

And, that’s the true test – now, isn’t it. It’s not how we behave while others are watching – rather, how we conduct ourselves when nothing is to be gained.

You see, one day those who’ve caused us the most unbearable pain – will be in a position of ‘needing’ love in return.

Love them anyway.

And,

Love them in spite of your pain.

THAT is what makes all the difference, my friends; and, THAT is what changes this world.

Love is really all and everything you’ll ever need – and, our purpose here is to help others  realize.

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