Today's
Meditation:
It seems somewhat contradictory to think that the best way
to know the world around us it to know ourselves, but
based on what I've learned so far, it's definitely
true. When I practice introspection, I learn more
about myself, my motivations, my true feelings, my
shortcomings, my strengths. I learn more about what
I can tolerate and what I can't-- and why. I learn
more about my own humanity and my feelings about life and
living, and when that happens, I feel closer to my fellow
beings because I feel more compassion for them, as I know
that in most ways they're just like me, going through
similar experiences, feelings, and fears.
I am a very unique individual, but I don't necessarily
live like one. I may be taking on certain roles that
I think are important, and living like other people live
in order to fit in. If I spend time in
introspection, I can discover things and ways of being
that are uniquely me, that will allow me to become the
unique creation that I was born to be. If I never
stop to consider just who and what I am, I face the risk
of putting on a mask to wear for the rest of my life
because it's the mask the world wants to see, not because
it's who I truly am.
It's important that we carve out time in our schedules to
be alone, whether we're locked in a quiet room or walking
in a park or a forest or in the desert, someplace where
there are few distractions that will take our minds away
from our goal. When we give ourselves chances to
know ourselves better, we give ourselves chances to deal
with many of the issues facing us effectively and
authentically, and many of the fears we have melt away;
many of our problems lose their intimidating natures and
become simply speed bumps that are easily crossed.
Introspection can help us to overcome our feelings of
separateness and help us to see just how much we're like
the other people who are sharing this planet with
us. It's important that we give ourselves a chance
to learn this, and we won't do so if our focus is
constantly directed outward. Take some time, be
alone, and don't be afraid to look inside-- there's a lot
of beauty there!
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