How do you know...

Sometimes life seems crazy and we cannot make sense of the chaos.  We get lost in the unknown of what’s truth and what’s illusion.  We believe we know the difference and can see the fear in others. Maybe it’s the way they try to control a situation or experience.  Maybe it’s blaming others for their anger, sadness or fear.  Maybe you know of someone like this or can relate yourself.  

What if what is happening is your soul’s call to go within and witness the true cause of the discord.  What if there is a belief that is looking for your attention? Several years ago I found myself annoyed being around an acquaintance because they were constantly judging others.  While sharing my frustrations with a friend, it occurred to me that I was judging that person for judging. Wow, what a revelation! How often do we do that?  How often do we see things outside ourselves and believe we are separate?  When we take a moment in silence and turn inward, we become the witness of our own beliefs.  It’s within this space we can observe our illusions and transform them with awareness of the truth. I do this by asking myself, “is this truth”?  Then I pay attention to my heart and body to see if it feels peaceful.  If I feel peaceful I might then ask myself, “is this true for everyone”? Again, I will pay attention to my heart and body.  If I feel uneasy as a result of either of these questions then I know I’m deceiving myself.

It was Aristotle that said, "Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom."  The shift in our perception is the medicine that not only heals us and those close to us but the entire world.  With truth we transform the suffering and find appreciation for all of life exactly as it is. We see every moment has the potential to be beautiful. 

May the path you walk be illuminated with truth and beauty.