The first thing I thought of this morning when reading about today's exercises on relating was how I was relating to my dog. For example, this morning when I don't feel like playing and he's there with his squeaky toy, shoving it into my thigh (didn't you just go out for an hour and a half walk?) and I sigh. Go away. Shove him away. And I thought - this isn't how I want to be relating. Sighing, feeling negative, getting uptight about what is a minor discomfort (lack of peace when I'd prefer it). Then something shifted. I just threw the toy for him even though I didn't feel like it. It sounds so tiny, this shift, but I think it may stay with me. I noticed a softening in my voice around certain things throughout the day in a new way. And I'm hoping this will extend to my children, too, who know I can be too stern sometimes. I love them all and want to treat them well. Really, this is all I want in my life. To treat others very well. It is my most deeply held desire. Ideal and practice can take a while to close the gap between, but I inched a tiny inch more today.
May you experience the kindness you deserve in life.
3 comments:
As soon as I hit your post, I saw the picture and smiled. How touching! :)
I understand your frustration. Most of us have been short with someone, even if they don't deserve it, lashed out at the wrong person, said the wrong thing.
I too believe in treating others well, as it is equally important to treat ourselves well, and forgive ourselves of our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Now where did that come from? :)
Thank you for the blessing. And also for the reminder that it is a practice.
Sometimes it's the smallest things that shift our perspective and sometimes we just need a gentle reminder. Don't be to hard on yourself, at least you're now aware of it and can make the changes you wish to. Your daughter and cat are gorgeous! Blessings, Nicole x
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