We often navigate our lives with a lens of judgment, quick to categorize people into boxes of “good” or “bad.” This narrow perspective, however, obscures a deeper truth: the complexity of the human experience.
Today’s meditation takes a look at the humans around us with a reminder –
It’s likely that every human you see has at some point (or multiple times) in their life been wounded, and that it is helpful for us when we look at human behaviour to remember, people tend to react from their wounds.
You know what it feels like to be in survival mode right? To have periods in your life when fear is the dominant state that you experience, everything feels scary and you just don’t see how it gets better?
When you look at the humans around you and their behaviour please remember, most people are constantly experiencing their own version of survival mode.
“This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.” – Dalai Lama
“The planet does not need more successful people. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of all kinds.” – Dalai Lama
“Whether one is rich or poor, educated or illiterate, religious or non believing, man or woman, black, white, or brown, we are all the same. Physically, emotionally, and mentally, we are all equal. We all share basic needs for food, shelter, safety, and love. We all aspire to happiness and we all shun suffering. Each of us has hopes, worries, fears, and dreams. Each of us wants the best for our family and loved ones. We all experience pain when we suffer loss and joy when we achieve what we seek. On this fundamental level, religion, ethnicity, culture, and language make no difference.” – Dalai Lama
“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.” – Dalai Lama
“As you breathe in, cherish yourself. As you breathe out, cherish all Beings.” – Dalai Lama
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” – Dalai Lama
To truly connect with others, we must acknowledge the wounds that shape their actions. When we see someone acting out of fear or anger, we can remember our own moments of vulnerability. Perhaps they are reacting to a past trauma, a current challenge, or a deep-seated insecurity. By recognizing their pain, we can respond with kindness and understanding rather than judgement and condemnation.
Understanding that for the most part the humans around us are reacting from their own wounding and in need of healing, doesn’t mean that we discard our own boundaries though. But even our boundaries can inflict damage when we enforce them in ignorance and not in understanding.
Mantra for self-reflection:
- Cultivate Empathy: Seek to understand others’ perspectives, even when they differ from your own.
- Embrace Imperfection: Acknowledge your own vulnerabilities and those of others.
- Spread Kindness: Choose kindness in every interaction, no matter how small.
- Let go of judgement: Release the need to label and categorize people, allowing for greater understanding and acceptance.
- Heal Yourself: Prioritize self-care and personal growth to foster inner peace.
It’s important to note that embracing empathy doesn’t mean we should tolerate abusive or harmful behaviour. Rather, it means that we should strive to respond with kindness and understanding, even in the face of provocation. We can set boundaries and protect ourselves while choosing compassion over judgement
Thank you for being a source of light in the world around you.
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: Tonglen.