We were discussing the current political environment. Yes, I know, that is a taboo - how could I? Well, I did and I went as far as talking about my 'belief' in divine providence. In response to a Facebook post I made recently, the thoughts I have had about one or the other of our current presidential candidates is that no matter which one ends up in the chair, that they are fulfilling their destiny and we all have a dharma that moves us through life. Our lives are much more interwoven that our brains could ever imagine, in my belief, and we can be at much more peace if we cooperate with the hand that is dealt to us and use our gifts the best way possible, caring and loving ourselves as much as we love our neighbor and certainly make clear the invisible boundaries that we all stand for when definite our character. It is important to me to be able to decide what's important, and what is nothing. It is important to me to be able to decide (pleading for wisdom all the while) what is acceptance and tolerance, and what is caving-in to the opinion of others. To me, that is called 'defining character' and it is unique to me, but impact-able, and dynamic, and certainly like everything else about the human condition, it is fallible.
Back to the misfortune...Many years I struggled with addiction and alcoholism. I remember one particular night when snorting crystal meth with a friend in a restaurant bathroom - I remember the vision of her arm being smashed by me with the stall door because someone was about to enter the area. This is one memory I am certain to see flash before my eyes at the end of life tunnel, the shame was tangible and debilitating. My father was an alcoholic, yet I feel like I was raised in a very loving home. I have many sobriety birthdays. I fell off the wagon many times. I cannot drink alcohol and I remind myself everyday. It is the cause of some of the darkest days in my life - those days I cared nothing for myself and nothing for others and was merely human tissue taking up space on the planet. I offered nothing to society and society only offered alcohol to me. Through sobriety, I have met others with stories more horrific than mine. They are the most accepting and loving people I know. I am not saying that it is impossible to reach an understanding of the human condition without the 'fortune of misfortune' but I believe that having this perspective makes helping others a lot easier. It makes accepting others easier. It makes being gentle with myself easier, and it helps me to be loving and kind to my comrades a little quicker. (Not that I have a perfect run at that even - we are all filled with limitations.)
As a result I have learned to
ask for forgiveness - even when I did nothing wrong - what can that hurt? (Not me certainly)
look for the best in people
keep peace in my heart
give generously of my time
thank others that give you their time
always be willing to teach
love myself
understand we are spiritual beings thrust into a human existence,
give forgiveness
embrace the path as it is revealed to me - we belong where we are for a special purpose.
