John Kimbrough
When one is new to the process of learning, there can
be a daily feeling of excitement and contentment. One may even ignorantly think
of themselves as being better or somehow more enlightened than others or
ridicule others for not making such an effort.
Even those individuals who are liberal or spiritually
inclined can be or have been involved in being petty, critical and judgmental
to others. Ignorance is part of the mind and being of all people.
Regardless, our path and practice can be at times a
very clear and straight one while at other times be one that is marked by
sudden twists and turns.
We look for the ideal in others and the world while
not spending enough on developing the ideal within ourselves. At other times we
sometimes too quickly move and run from teacher to teacher and teachings to
teachings.
Maybe we try to do too many things at once, so in
addition to meditation and yoga practice we need a daily Thai massage or engage
in aromatherapy, acupressure and acupuncture and other therapies that claim and
aim to heal the body and soul.
We need to aim for two things, one being that we need
to be compassionate to both ourselves and others and that we also need to be
mindful about managing and developing ourselves and our own resources.
The Dhammapada teaches
us that we should not weaken or compromise ourselves and our own resources and
sources of strength and wisdom in our desire to assist and be compassionate to
others.
Sometimes people do make unfair or unwise demands on
us that are based more on their feelings and desires of the moment than on a
life built around simplicity and self-discipline.
Sometimes we have to walk on by, say ‘no’or just let
it be. There are things available in this world that can make one’s life more
fruitful and comfortable but regardless of what we have or possess it is our
mind and how we use it and how it functions that is the greatest source of
health and happiness or the root cause of pain, anger and confusion.
So regardless of where you might find yourself at this
time in your life, be more mindful about aiming to and working to the practice
of compassionate boundaries.
In and through such a practice you will find yourself
to be doing the most good for yourself, your family, the community and the
world as a whole.
Published in the Sept 2011 edition of Yoga & Total Health Magazine
