FORGIVENESS

In the Dream of the Planet, domestication is a reality for almost everyone. In most cases, it is also necessary. Without some form of domestication, we would be unable to function in society. This is why my father sometimes tells new parents: “Be sure to domesticate your kids before someone else does.”

Even if you don’t have kids, you were a kid once, and you were domesticated accordingly. Remember this as you think about those who domesticated you. They were trying to help you survive in our world, and it worked. Seeing it this way makes it easier to forgive. They were doing the best they could at the time.

Practice

With awareness, try to forgive anyone who ever attempted to domesticate you to his or her own point of view. Their efforts were nothing personal; they were just doing their best at the time. You can now choose for yourself what behaviors and beliefs are true for you. This is the definition of being a grown-up.

Living a Life of Awareness

~ Don Miguel Ruiz Jr.