Equanimity, Immense Universe –
Blue-tinged cloud cover this morning, and we have a potentially big storm arriving tomorrow. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are looking good for my future.
Dear One, I’ve talked a lot about self-care and care for others, kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. All of these I recommend we practice all the time, with everybody – including ourselves. Often, though, these intentions can seem in opposition to each other.
When considering these ideas, we may jump directly to high-conflict scenarios, as argument to why these practices aren’t practical or possible together. The arguments almost always carry the sentiment – “if I were to do what I truly wanted to do, someone would suffer.” Sometimes, the one we imagine suffering is a loved one, or a stranger; and, sometimes, it’s ourselves.
So, we tell ourselves that we can’t do what we truly want; because, a good person doesn’t cause or create suffering, and we want to be a good person.
Do you ever tell yourself this story, Dear One?
If so, then I challenge you to go deeper. There are a few levels to this story that are valuable to investigate.
There is a saying – “Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.” We are not responsible for anyone else’s suffering. Truly. And, only our own suffering to the extent that we make that choice to believe certain thoughts that make us suffer.
Regarding the pain – there is no path that avoids all pain and challenge. In fact, the pain and challenge that we each encounter strengthens and develops us along our journey.
Finally, it can be tempting to believe that we should direct more pain toward ourselves, to avoid any pain being directed toward others. This is not heroic. Our pain, and any suffering from it, can deflate our inspiration, innovation, creativity, and momentum, as much as anyone else’s.
This is when it’s time to tune in to your Integrity. Always follow what feels free and loving.
Please consider Today’s Prompt:
Dear One, the act of balancing is fluid and dynamic. Listen to your heart, tuned in to your integrity, to flow with what is most loving and feels free.
Remember that you are not responsible for another’s happiness or suffering.
If you yourself are suffering, find a turn-around thought that feels more free.
And always – care for yourself, while doing no harm to others; and, at the same time, care for others without harming yourself.
It’s not a contradiction; it’s a balance. Follow your sense of integrity.
Balancing in the Sweet Spot of Universal Love and Freedom. Using Integrity to guide, My Dear Spirits!
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