Good morning. Happy Sunday!
Know this: You can not change anyone else, you can only change yourself.
I have had a recent personal experience that has brought this all to light again for me. And I have realized that there comes a point when it is certainly okay to stand up for ourselves and our own rights. If we are not hurting anyone and are living within the rights of the laws we have the right to continue to do so. But, how we express ourselves in the face of these confrontations and personal challenges says a lot about who WE are and not so much about who other people are. In reality and in the grand scheme of things, that person does not matter nearly as much as your own reaction and your own growth and spiritual advancement as you go through your life.
As much as we'd like to, when things get tough with those around us, we will never be able to make them change or even see our point of view, in most cases. And they shouldn't. It sure is frustrating though, isn't it?
The people that surround us are our greatest teachers. Not only the people that bring us joy and obvious positive teachings, but all people have something to show us about ourselves. If someone is getting on your nerves, you might ask yourself why? Your reaction to them or their actions is your issue, not theirs. Why are they pushing your buttons? What do you have to learn about yourself?
It is important that you take the time to explore your own feelings and very important that you do not REACT when in a volatile situation. Certainly take the necessary measures to protect yourself and even defend yourself if need be, but do not ever participate in the violence. There is a great form of communication that teaches nonviolence and how to handle yourself in potential violent situations -- how to diffuse the altercation. Nonviolent Communication (NVC). It would do everyone good to explore and possibly learn this method of communication. There are often classes offered around the country to teach the methodology and application of NVC.
In most situations we encounter in our daily life, the people are not particularly violent, but they may be acting contrary to our points of view or what we are trying to accomplish. In these situations, it is helpful to remember the mirror analogy. Everyone around us is a reflection of some part of use. It is our job to determine how another's behaviors or words are also a part of our own behavior and belief system, often when we can't recognize it within ourselves.
When we can see ourselves in those around us, not only do we experience empathy, but we allow ourselves to accept parts of ourselves that we need to work on. Acceptance is the beginning. Acknowledging the issues gives us the doorway to change.
Everything is an opportunity to learn. Every situation and person we meet has the potential to teach us something about ourselves, We can choose to embrace that opportunity to learn or we can avoid and deny that which is within ourselves that we may need to work on.
What is your life telling you? What are the messages? What do you need to recognize and work on within yourself?
Instead of reacting, let us open our eyes and our minds and really see what is being offered in every situation. Perhaps a situation is presenting itself as an opportunity for you to stand up for yourself and say hey, I have rights too. But we can do this in a calm and rational way.
Express love and kindness.
Have a great day!
Love to all.
~Rev. Kerry
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