Although I believe we are all on an awakening path at any given moment, we may not realize it until we are faced with a sudden hardship. For me, my deep dive within began in earnest shortly after I lost my mom. My inner landscape didn't make sense without her in the outer landscape, so all I could do was reconfigure what was left of me. A powerful tool of this transformative time has been near-daily meditation going on sixteen years. Throw in some mindfulness practices and a dash of contemplation, and here I am. Not fully awakened but far from asleep because I can now hear my true thoughts most of the time. That's really all awakening is, an awareness of our internal experience.
The amazing side effect of all this is the exponential growth of compassion. Not only for others but for myself. If my often overlooked thoughts and feelings can be this mean and scary, then I imagine I am not alone in this. It makes me want to hug everyone I meet and say, 'I get it.'
Life is challenging and often doesn't make sense. The things we think will sustain us are ephemeral and elusive at best. Staying in the present moment with these realities is tough. No wonder people lose it over the little stuff sometimes.
What if being crabby had nothing to do with how we are as a person, but more about how much those mean and scary thoughts are creeping into our awareness?
Understanding why impossible people act the way they do is a game changer. Though sometimes I, myself, am that impossible person to others, I can now have compassion for myself, too. I don't mean to lash out, but if I am afraid or hurting without even realizing it, it's the only way I know how to respond in the moment.
Our best response to anything anyone else ever does or doesn't do is acceptance. Acceptance of them, of ourselves, of the reality we aren't seeing each other with a clear heart.
I'm starting to catch glimpses of a clear-heart world view. This soul-shifting perspective can only be uncovered through a profound process of inner listening.
There is nothing more beautiful than recognizing the wonder and innocence of everyone we meet.
With this knowing, we can forgive everyone in our lives.
Including ourselves.
Inward & Onward,
Great post Diana, and I agree - it never ceases to amaze me how poorly some people treat others - especially those in service industries or lower-paying occupations. That said, I know I can always do better during times of high stress and getting to the next event, meeting, or activity. Simply pausing "in the moment" can help. Happy Holidays to all!