HappyDestiny3

Monday, February 4, 2013 You are reading from the book Touchstones
Self-importance is our greatest enemy. Think about it - what weakens us is feeling offended by the deeds and misdeeds of our fellowmen. Our self-importance requires that we spend most of our lives offended by someone.
—Carlos Castaneda

Were we offended by someone today? Do we harbor resentment for remarks, oversights, or unpleasant mannerisms? Do we feel tense or uneasy about how someone else has treated us? We can probably make a good case to justify our reactions. Perhaps we are in the right and they are in the wrong.

Yet, even if we are justified, it doesn't matter. We may be puffing ourselves up and wasting energy. When we are oversensitive, we take a self-righteous position, which leads us far from our path of spiritual awakening. Our strength is diminished.

How much better it is to let go of the lightness, let go of our grandiosity, and accept the imperfections in others. We need to accept our own imperfections too. When we do, we are better men, and our strength and energy can be focused on richer goals.I will accept others' imperfections; I do not need to be right.

paul99

Great reading.

This is something that I have been unconsciously and consciously been active in lately, for some reason. I have been looking in the imperfections of myself, and others, and looking past them. Very hard to do, most times! It's like it's a muscle that I am starting to flex and build up. As an active alcoholic, all I did was look for everyone else's imperfections and gloss over mine. I made sure I pointed out everyone's problems, and downplayed mine.

Acceptance and tolerance - it's sinking in more and more that the more I practice these things, the lighter and easier my life is.

Fernaceman

Great read...actually something I was just obsessing about a little with my fiance...I was just outside and was obsessing about her imperfections. Needless to say my attitude starting dwindling pretty negatively very quickly. I had to consciously "shake it out" and accept it. If I love this woman, which I do, I love all of her, good and bad, just as she loves me, good and bad. I am no better than anyone, and how easily I can forget that.

paul99

Fern - this reminds me of the story at the end of the book, "Acceptance Was the Answer"? It's pages 407-420 in the fourth edition. The part where he talks about his wife and her imperfections came to mind reading your post. He talks about getting a new pair of glasses (which later Chuck C. would write a book with that title)

Have a great day!

Fernaceman

Yeah, I think about that story a lot when my mind goes to these places. It's so true and contains really valuable life lessons!

And maybe I'll read Chuck C's book again. Haven't picked that one up for a few months now.