THE DAILY SPARK

DISARMING

“If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each man’s life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility.”

Quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow American Poet 1807-1882

REFLECTION:

  • Reflect on an “enemy.” 

  • Can you consider the sorrow and suffering they have faced (but may be covering up with pride and ego).  Does this change how you view them?  Does it disarm your hostility toward them?

  • Explore the possibility of seeing them from this perspective.

LONELINESS

Usually we regard loneliness as an enemy.  Heartache is not something we choose to invite in.  It’s restless and pregnant and hot with the desire to escape and find something or someone to keep us company. 

When we can rest in the middle, we begin to have a nonthreatening relationship with loneliness that completely turns our usual fearful patterns upside down. 

FROM:  WHEN THINGS FALL APART Heart Advice for Difficult Times by Pema Chödrön. Pema Chödrön is an American Tibetan Buddhist and ordained nun. Born 1936 –

REFLECTION:

How do you view loneliness? 

What do you do with loneliness – do you welcome it in as a time of deeper reflection – a chance to examine at a greater depth what is really going on?  Or do you fill the time trying to find someone or something to avoid the heartache?

How can you sit with and rest with the dragon of loneliness?

BEING DEMANDING

We have been trained to think that being particular about what we want is indicative of good taste, and that not being satisfied unless our preferences are met is a sign of worldliness and sophistication.  It can be seen as having high standards, when in actuality it is only a means of isolating ourselves from being touched by life, while rationalizing that we are more special than those who can’t meet our very demanding standards.

Accepting life as it is doesn’t mean denying its difficulties and disappointments.  It means that joy can be found even in hardship, not by demanding that we be treated special, but that we treat everything that comes our way as special.

FROM:  THE BOOK OF AWAKENING Having the Life You Want by Being Present To The Life You Have by Mark Nepo

REFLECTION:

Think about a time you were demanding beyond just taking care of your basic needs.  What were you really needing?

Is there a hardship you are facing now that you can view a different way … with joy?   If not with joy, can you pause to take an honest assessment of what you really want/need.

Do something today to ensure a ‘fill up” for you so you don’t resort to demanding and isolating actions.