Be the change you want to see in 2022, then hold onto your hat!
Don't take my word for it. Try it!
In a yoga class in the 90's I first heard the phrase, "The things that irritate us most in others are the things we don't like about ourselves." I took it to heart and the results were staggering. It didn't mean I did whatever the other person did exactly, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't find I had my own flair for it. We can't change others but it is within our power to change or accept whatever we find irritating in ourselves.
When you change some people will change with you and others will drop out. And some will drop out and then come back around later, after they have changed. We have to place our relationships in Love's Hands.
Either way—accept or change—and it will bring you peace because if you can accept something in yourself you can accept it in others and if you don't like a behavior, heal and change it, you will have a new found compassion for those who find themselves stuck there.
Let me give you an example: You find out that someone has been telling you what they think you want to hear rather than the truth and it leaves you angry for having been placated. So what could be the equivalent? Withholding information can be placating as well. Or something else you do that's manipulative to maintain connections.
Behavior is information about how someone is feeling. Fear fuels manipulation. Being with the fear will take you to who inside of you needs healing.
A few years back I heard the Biblical version of this phrase, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." (Matthew 7:3-5)
When I find myself irritated I like to ask my higher self, "What's my plank?" The macrocosm reflects the microcosm and I'm always shown how I am similar when I remember to ask, even if it's months later. It's never too late to heal. It's fascinating stuff, really, and incredibly healing and humbling.
Some of you may recall my kayaking story. That's a great example. I hope you take this quote to heart. It really is a game changer, a radical form of acceptance and a lifelong pursuit. I'll let you get started with this shift in thinking then share examples in future posts.
For now, wishing you a Happy, Healthy, Humble and Prosperous 2022!
Friends in this Love,
Trish
As always, excellent 'food for thought'. I had heard that some time ago and have also tried to pull that big plank out of my eye. Sometimes successfully, but, other times, I had to leave and return after getting removed.
Thank you for giving so generously with your wealth of knowledge and Happy New Year!
You are most welcome Cherune!
I hear you. It takes practice and sometimes an ego bust to get there. I know first hand. Welcome to the human experience.
Thanks for writing!
Happy New Year!
Trish
Thank you Trish for your wise words. Happy and healthy New Year to you! Jean
You are most welcome Jean, and thank you for your New Year wishes!
Warmly,
Trish
Thank you Trish. As always your wise words always makes me stop & think. I am sure I will be reflecting on this for awhile.
Happy New Year 2022 is bound to be a better year for all of us
You are most welcome Lorraine. A lot of peace can be found in this perspective.
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Enjoy!
Trish
Thanks Trish for the great perspective to start the New Year fresh. Always enjoying your words! Happy 2022!
Thanks for commenting Trish. You are most welcome.
Enjoy the perspective and hold onto your hat!
Trish