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Daily Reflection 4.5.21
Apr. 5th, 2021 10:14 amMore on the same note:
It's unfortunately the case that in life, we have to deal with other people. Their whims, their moods, their traumas and circumstances-- these things affect us all the time. Someone cuts us off in traffic because they're in a hurry; a cashier at the grocery store is rude to us because we look like a villain from a TV show or the evening news; a romantic partner flies into a rage because of something that reminds them of a childhood trauma; a boss belittles us because he was bullied in middle school and now has the chance to do the same thing to someone else.
In the end, self-possession is the only way we can make it mentally and emotionally intact through the storms of life.
But how do we find it?
We can't rely on other humans; they aren't reliable. And that means we can't rely on ourselves either because we are also human.
We need, then, to reach beyond the human-- to the divine. That includes that small spark of divinity within that is our own higher self, of course. But above all, we need a relationship with God-- our God, whatever God is appropriate for us. At the end, only God does not fail, and it is only by standing always in the divine presence that we can remain unmoved at all times. This is why St. Paul says, "Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all things give thanks."
Disciplined and calm, to await the appearance of disorder and hubbub amongst the enemy: this is the art of retaining self-possession.
To be near the goal while the enemy is still far from it, to wait at ease while the enemy is toiling and struggling, to be well-fed while the enemy is famished-- this is the art of husbanding one's strength.
To be near the goal while the enemy is still far from it, to wait at ease while the enemy is toiling and struggling, to be well-fed while the enemy is famished-- this is the art of husbanding one's strength.
It's unfortunately the case that in life, we have to deal with other people. Their whims, their moods, their traumas and circumstances-- these things affect us all the time. Someone cuts us off in traffic because they're in a hurry; a cashier at the grocery store is rude to us because we look like a villain from a TV show or the evening news; a romantic partner flies into a rage because of something that reminds them of a childhood trauma; a boss belittles us because he was bullied in middle school and now has the chance to do the same thing to someone else.
In the end, self-possession is the only way we can make it mentally and emotionally intact through the storms of life.
But how do we find it?
We can't rely on other humans; they aren't reliable. And that means we can't rely on ourselves either because we are also human.
We need, then, to reach beyond the human-- to the divine. That includes that small spark of divinity within that is our own higher self, of course. But above all, we need a relationship with God-- our God, whatever God is appropriate for us. At the end, only God does not fail, and it is only by standing always in the divine presence that we can remain unmoved at all times. This is why St. Paul says, "Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all things give thanks."
