To welcome an enemy is to take the opportunity to expand my heart.
Criticism
Criticisms are good things. They help us look at ourselves to check and improve. There are situations where you feel that nothing you say or do seems right, where there is constant criticism. How do we satisfy people at that time? We must first be satisfied with ourselves before we can satisfy others. If we do not have the power to change the negative attitude of others quickly, we must at least start with ourselves. Change our attitude towards the one who is constantly criticizing. Adopt a more positive approach. Positive thoughts, words, and actions will eventually bring positive results. Continue acting in this Godly manner. At least God will be pleased with you.
The Art of Stepping In and Stepping Out In Relationships
For any activity or relationship to remain peaceful and successful, we must know how far to step in and how far to step out. It is like a gardener who sows seeds at the right time, steps in to plant and water them, and then steps out of the picture to allow nature to carry on with her work. However, from time to time, he goes in again to see if there is enough water, if any insects are attacking the plants and if any food is needed. His role is to find the appropriate space for the potential beauty and uniqueness of the seeds to emerge; he does not create the flowers but facilitates their expression. The gardener does not step in too much; that would be called interference. After planting the seeds, he does not demand an immediate result; he does not dig them up the next day to see if they have sprouted. He plays his role, fulfills his duty, but let’s go because he understands the blooming of the flowers is not dependent on him. Nor does he let go too much. If he did, then the plants would die from lack of care, or the insects and weeds would destroy them. He does not let go so much that he isolates himself from the process. Instead, he creates a respectful partnership or relationship with nature by knowing when to step in and when to step out.
In the same way as the gardener, we have the duty, or rather the honor, of planting positive seeds of good intentions, love, respect, and tolerance, at the same time allowing others and the forces of the universe to be given the space to work and respond according to their time and inclination. Very often, we plant those seeds but want an immediate result:
- I have shown so much patience, but she doesn’t change. or
- How much longer do I have to tolerate it? I feel suppressed.
We become attached to what we do, so there is no space for things to happen at their own appropriate time. Sometimes we have the wrong type of mercy or want to take control, thinking we know better, so we step into people’s lives too much. This interference and lack of free space provoke hatred, resentment, and conflict with others.
At other times, we get fed up with others; our tolerance and empathy are completely reduced, and we say, * I’ve had enough, or * I have got to do my own thing, and so we step out, but in a selfish way, that is, we isolate ourselves from others or situations. We justify, or disguise, this isolation and rejection and dislike towards others with such phrases as * I need my own space or * Let them stand on their own feet. In actual fact, we aren’t bothered anymore; we have stepped too far out of the picture because we have not cultivated the patience which allows the good and positive to germinate and grow in their own time. It is an art to know when to step back and when to step forward, but a very necessary one if well-being is to be achieved.
Message for the day
Greatness lies in being humble.
What it tells you: A seed grows only when it is mingled with the mud. In the same way, the one who is great is naturally humble. He understands the truth that only when there is humility will there be a success. Humility gives the power to bow down without reducing one’s own self-respect.
What you should experience: When I am humble, I can experience my inner greatness, which naturally keeps me set on the seat of my self-respect. So when the situation demands, I have no problem bowing down. So I can allow the situations to work on me so that I can strengthen myself from within under all circumstances.
