A GAME OF SEE-SAW

“The greatest defense is being who you are.”

~ Anonymous

How often we are drawn into opposition with one another.

Certainly, there are times that conflict is inevitable. There is only one parking space. There is only one donut left. There in only one job in view.

But most of the time, on the inner plane, there is plenty to go around, and it is more a game of see-saw: to keep myself up, or to keep my sense of how I see myself up, I somehow feel the need to put you down.

This only diverts me from my path and sucks all my energy into a battle that often doesn’t matter. In truth, no amount of rearranging the world will make us feel worthy. The only response to adversity or misunderstanding is to be more completely who we are - to share ourselves more. Otherwise, we are always reacting and countering, and never being.

Just look to the flowers and trees. They do not suppress each other. Even when crowded, they show themselves and grow in all directions and so make it to the light.

~ Sit quietly and consider someone who holds a position opposite to yours.

~ Breathe evenly and allow yourself to feel the pull to discredit or invalidate this person and their position.

~ Now breathe slowly and look for the string of heart that makes you think your opposite views are tied to each other.

~ Use your deepest breathing to cut the string.

The Book of Awakening

~ Mark Nepo