Someone wise said,"Don't compare other's highlight reel with your 'behind the scenes'." Because we have a unique look at our 'behind the scenes', we are privy to ALL of our humanness and sometimes it just isn't pretty. I can be petty, bitter, small-minded and cranky. By all appearances, it doesn't appear that other people struggle with their shadow sides like I do. except...their are brave souls who write honestly of struggle, of pain, of fear and anguish, anxiety and pettiness. And when they do, it resonates with me. Ah. How brave. How refreshing.
I'm not that kind of brave at present, but I can admire and learn from it. What's the lesson in it for me now?Certainly not to share without thought, for not all people will be gracious, understanding or safe, and it's not always the right time to have an intimate and honest conversation. ( Come on. We all know 'inappropriate sharers! shudder.) Perhaps , we need to share with thoughtful intention. When the moment is right, to be brave enough to be "open, undefended and immediately present" (see source below), to be vulnerable. And to recognize that everyone you meet has a story that would melt a heart of stone. Things are not always what they appear and neither are people always what they appear. Imagine a world where we woke up with a bias in other's favour? I can't say that's my natural inclination as often as I'd like, but it is a stance I can be aware of. And practice. One person at a time.
(quote found @
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Richard-Rohr-s-Meditation--The-Second-Gaze.html?soid=1103098668616&aid=6hGejSNXTx4)