Resolve
Yesterday my spiritual intention was to be a positive presence and not contribute to negativity. This worked pretty well until I started reading the news. I immediately heard myself being very negative in response to what I read as negative. The temptation to accept an invitation to be negative can be very powerful. Regular readers of this blog will , for example, be reminded of my habit of being judgmental of those I experiences as judgmental
I was once again reminded that I understand the temptation of be negative only too well. The gift of being of being able to be okay with admitting to this seeming hypocrisy dampens the propensity to be self-righteous. Of course, I would love to be able to stay I stopped it but will have to settle for dampens for now.
The fact that I so easily fall prey to this temptation to be passionately negative - “How dare they?” - intrigues me. After all, I know that negativity feeds negativity. I also know that negatively is often a cover for the deep pain of being fearful or an attempt to prove one’s superiority. One falls victim to the need to prove one’s superiority because of one’s inability to accept one’s humanness; to accept that one is as flawed and as valuable as every other human. Knowing all this does not automatically stop me from being drawn into this initially satisfying drama.
On the cognitive level I am:
• At peace with my humanness.
• Have no need to prove my worth to others.
• Know that it is enough to just be one more temporary part of this universe.
• Have no need to know what, if anything, follows this brief life sojourn in this universe.
On the emotional level:
• I am sure “those” negative people are not healthy.
• Suspect that “they” are not very bright or, if intellectually bright, simply lazy thinkers.
• “They” need to know that I know they are wrong.
• The whole world needs to know that they are wrong.
• Knowing I am right and saying so is an adrenaline rush.
My spiritual teacher would suggest that I just notice my cognitive/intellectual and my emotional responses. She would further suggest that I not label them as positive or negative since that would feed them. Since the cognitive thoughts are only a portion of my truth - of my responses - they are only half truths or merely my intellectual aspirations. My goal is to get closer to a synchronicity between my cognitive and emotional responses. When I can keep this goal or intention in the forefront of my mind I will not act on my initial thoughts or responses. I will move closer to responding to those I experience as negative with as much loving acceptance as I strive to have toward my own humanness.
This is a lifelong process. At times it becomes easier to be honest with myself and to refocus on my own spiritual journey. At other times it will seem as if I have made no progress at all. Both are fine. I aspire to drop the dualities. I am where I am at the moment. Scolding myself and congratulating myself will only feed and slow down the process of growth.
Today I will embrace my humanness while challenging myself to move forward.
Written July 6, 2020
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
Yesterday my spiritual intention was to be a positive presence and not contribute to negativity. This worked pretty well until I started reading the news. I immediately heard myself being very negative in response to what I read as negative. The temptation to accept an invitation to be negative can be very powerful. Regular readers of this blog will , for example, be reminded of my habit of being judgmental of those I experiences as judgmental
I was once again reminded that I understand the temptation of be negative only too well. The gift of being of being able to be okay with admitting to this seeming hypocrisy dampens the propensity to be self-righteous. Of course, I would love to be able to stay I stopped it but will have to settle for dampens for now.
The fact that I so easily fall prey to this temptation to be passionately negative - “How dare they?” - intrigues me. After all, I know that negativity feeds negativity. I also know that negatively is often a cover for the deep pain of being fearful or an attempt to prove one’s superiority. One falls victim to the need to prove one’s superiority because of one’s inability to accept one’s humanness; to accept that one is as flawed and as valuable as every other human. Knowing all this does not automatically stop me from being drawn into this initially satisfying drama.
On the cognitive level I am:
• At peace with my humanness.
• Have no need to prove my worth to others.
• Know that it is enough to just be one more temporary part of this universe.
• Have no need to know what, if anything, follows this brief life sojourn in this universe.
On the emotional level:
• I am sure “those” negative people are not healthy.
• Suspect that “they” are not very bright or, if intellectually bright, simply lazy thinkers.
• “They” need to know that I know they are wrong.
• The whole world needs to know that they are wrong.
• Knowing I am right and saying so is an adrenaline rush.
My spiritual teacher would suggest that I just notice my cognitive/intellectual and my emotional responses. She would further suggest that I not label them as positive or negative since that would feed them. Since the cognitive thoughts are only a portion of my truth - of my responses - they are only half truths or merely my intellectual aspirations. My goal is to get closer to a synchronicity between my cognitive and emotional responses. When I can keep this goal or intention in the forefront of my mind I will not act on my initial thoughts or responses. I will move closer to responding to those I experience as negative with as much loving acceptance as I strive to have toward my own humanness.
This is a lifelong process. At times it becomes easier to be honest with myself and to refocus on my own spiritual journey. At other times it will seem as if I have made no progress at all. Both are fine. I aspire to drop the dualities. I am where I am at the moment. Scolding myself and congratulating myself will only feed and slow down the process of growth.
Today I will embrace my humanness while challenging myself to move forward.
Written July 6, 2020
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
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