Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Notes to Myself
I need to keep reminding myself about practicing what I preach. Oh not in that sort of finger wagging, shaming way that phrase has been used “at” me sometimes. But as a gentle reminder about remaining in the practice of what I share with others about my understanding of a better way to do, to be. Staying in the moment. Staying awake. Being conscious. Not judging….myself or others…so harshly. Remembering that we are all mostly doing our best with what we know in the moment to move away from the pain and toward something that seems better. Breathing. Being with myself compassionately in whatever it is that is happening. Remembering that there is usually a third alternative, something between black and white, another choice, and if I can just NOT react, it will usually come to me. Remembering that mostly, yes, whatever is going on here, it is not about me personally.
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4 comments:
yes. we judge ourselves harshly when we preach about not being judgmental. Or "should" ourselves too.
Thanks--I needed your words tonight. And I remembered the prayer, "Bless --------------, change me", BUT I didn't want to pray it--just wanted to keep judging, while judging myself for judging the other. . . .Take a deep breath and read your post again!
A great reminder for me this morning, Kate. One of my church members emailed me to say she was in strong disagreement with my latest newsletter article, which I wrote from my own experience and from my heart. I felt like I kind of put myself out there in that article. So...remembering to "not judge myself or others so harshly" is helpful. Also, yes, breathing, and not "reacting." Her strong words don't have to effect my sense of self. Perhaps they'll even end up the basis for some healthy dialogue.
One of the wonderful things about this on-line community is the comforting reminder that we are not alone in the things we face and struggle with. Glad my words could be of help tonight.
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