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OK As You Are

Inner Value Kindness Pssibilities

Feeling as if we are somehow “not good enough” is the source of so much suffering.  Comparing ourselves to others or to some pre-conceived idea of who or how we should be creates in us a particular type of anguish.  We turn against our very own self.

What is it in our training or enculturation that should set us up in this way?  Regardless of where it comes from in our makeup, it is worth looking at as an internalized source of suffering. If there is any push inside ourselves to have to prove ourselves – even a little bit – we are dealing with the shadow of belief that we are not good enough. 

What is the remedy?  No matter where the notion came from, the clue for what helps is the recognition that now the voice is inside of us.  Inside. It is possible now, with no external contradiction to turn toward yourself with gentle kindness.  Really. Are you really not OK as you are?  Look at yourself carefully.  This precious Being trying so hard.

Love this person.  See how that is.

Open up to the possibility that you – as you are – are meant to be exactly this.  In fact, you are needed to be as you are.  Life has such a fascinating myriad number of forms, each necessary for the whole.  You are no exception.

Embrace each full moment, with its unique facet of amazing Life smiling at you.  This is it.  This – right in front of you right now – this is it.  Life – dancing a dance of eternal self-recognition.

Helping from Serenity

MindBody Medicine mindfulness Serenity

So often people equate panic and distress with caring.  But, really, how helpful is this?  In my experience, those who flutter around all in a twitter when I am in need are just an added drain to my dwindled resources.  I would rather be alone.

By the same token, those who equate being in a dither and rage about world conditions with caring are confused.  To accuse the serene of being obviously “uninformed” is to confuse mental agitation with somehow being helpful.  It is not.

It’s easy to do – get in a dither.  The anxiety of an event is the first thing to hit, often.  And to spin off in an attempt to rid ourselves of the uncomfortable sensations of this is natural.  But there is another way.

There is a place of serenity inside, deep enough to be unruffled by the passing turmoil of the world.  Find this place – sink deep within to notice that Life, Itself, is nourishing you.  Whatever action comes from this space is clear, intentional, precise, and helpful.

For us each to find the place where we can greet the day with equanimity and even curiosity is such a gift.  To ourselves – and the world.