Then step away from shallow mass movements and quietly go to work on your own self-awareness.
If you want to awaken all of humanity, then awaken all of yourself.
If you want to eliminate the suffering in the world, then eliminate all that is dark and negative in yourself.
Truly, the greatest gift you have to give is that of your own self-transformation.”
-Lao Tzu
Healing begins with Self. It is not always an easy process. To look in the mirror and love what one sees. To love unconditionally the person looking back at me. It is a daily process.
Sometimes it is a moment by moment process. But when I am able to look into the mirror and say, "Hello, how are you? You are doing a wonderful job." It is a step in the right direction.
The more I am willing to look into the mirror and into my own eyes I am able to just be. When I am able to accept what I see looking back at me...accept the person with all of her foibles as well as her triumphs I am able to move on to greater growth.
There is no stagnation of spirit when you take time to look in the mirror at your reflection.
You must be willing to truly look as if looking at yourself with new eyes or other eyes.
There is no judgment. But there can be direction. You can see where you are heading and you can discern within yourself -- Is this who I want to be? Is this truly how I wish to express myself? Is this what I am to do?
You can attempt to honestly answer that question while expressing acceptance for just where you are.
There is no trying to change.
Once self-reflection truly begins then the journey of transformation begins.
Transformation. Awakening.
Self-reflection. Compassion for self and others. Compassion...the willingness to accept and love.
Discernment...the ability to know what you do and do not want. What is beneficial and what is not beneficial.
There is no judgment in compassion there is no judgment in discernment. It just is.
