Stressed????
Are there people in your life who are creating difficult situations for you? Are you unhappy with their behaviors? Are you frustrated by them? Maybe you’re disappointed. You expected more.
When we love another person, we are affected by their behavior, actions and life decisions. If your child is suffering from drug dependence, you suffer their pain. If your roommate is irresponsible, you may need to pay all of the rent and suffer financial instability. If your mate ignores health problems, you may suffer the loss of your loved one. When we suffer because of the thoughtless and inconsiderate actions of others, we get frustrated. And when we get frustrated, it’s difficult to feel loving towards those individuals who are causing our pain. We get a little cranky. We lose patience.
I like to remind myself that everybody is doing the best they can. Sure, some people appear to be doing a really bad job but I don’t think anybody wants to be a failure. Nobody wants to be an alcoholic or morbidly obese or unemployed. No one wants to feel fear or shame or grief. Life happens and we respond to situations based on our subconscious programming. We react the way we believe we are supposed to react. We make decisions based on what we believe to be the truth. Everybody has their own truth…their own reality.
Since I want my reality to be peaceful and loving, I strive for compassion towards everyone. I recognize that we are all on our own soul’s journey. Each being I am blessed to encounter on this journey is a treasure…a teacher. When you are annoyed with someone, you are taught to be more patient and understanding. If you have been abandoned, you have been given the opportunity to gain independence and self-reliance. When you feel angry, you have the option to exercise compassion and forgiveness. Relationships teach. We grow or expand our consciousness through interactions with others. It may be painful to experience a relationship where someone exerts power over you and creates fear. But that relationship allows you to learn how to take your power back. It teaches you courage and reinforces your self-determination. Learning that you can’t control others allows you the strength to let go.
When we can look outside of ourselves, we can see that each one of us is struggling to figure out how to be in the world. We’re all the same. One. Nick Polizzi, Director of The Sacred Science offers the “Just Like Me” Mantra.” He suggests using it when you are frustrated with an individual.
Just like me, you are seeking some happiness in your life.
Just like me, you are trying to avoid suffering in your life.
Just like me, you have known sadness.
Just like me, you want to be loved.
Just like me, you were once an innocent child.
Just like me, you are a spirit on a journey.
Be good to one another. We’re all in this together. You are just like Me. We have a lot to learn.