Yesterday I shared a story about a pigeon and a goat who have found a way to coexist. I asked how we humans could stop the bickering and learn to connect. Today, I’d like to share with you some of the ideas that have evolved for me. Your ideas may be quite different, and I would love to hear about them in the comment section.
When pondering the question of connection, I find that I need to start by asking how I may be contributing to any discord. I need to examine my own motives, assumptions, and projections. More often than not, the discord is within myself and needs resolving there. If I spent 95% of my energy doing the internal work, then the 5% I put out into the world would be much more focused, powerful, and effective.
So I start with meditation: I get present and grounded. I witness my swirling emotions, allowing them to be there without having to act upon them. I take a look at my anger to see what is driving it. I look at my assumptions to see where I need to open. In my yoga, I incorporate two affirmations into my daily routine: 1. “I open my heart fully to give and receive love.” 2. “I am one with everyone and everything.”
These practices give me a good foundation to continue with my inquiry and to act from a place of centeredness and love. I realize that I do not have a corner on the truth, and neither does anyone else. I open myself to perspectives larger than my own, even considering perspectives of those with whom I disagree.
And when I heartily disagree, I want to respond carefully and with love. I don’t want to bicker, judge, or insult another. I want to state my position clearly, kindly and with openness, because I believe that the energy I put out into the world matters…it matters greatly.
These are a few of the ways that I aspire to interact in the world. I fall short repeatedly, but the more I practice, the more often I’m able to accomplish what I desire. And when I do fall short, it’s important that I find a way to own that and apologize. I had to practice that just this morning.
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