Monday 9 April 2012

Shed your cloak of guilt

Guilt does not occur in the natural world.  Worms do not feel guilt for not recycling enough soil.  Squirrels do not feel regret for not collecting their quota of nuts.  Bees bounce from flower to flower without guilt for missing out on an additional flower patch.

We plaster our lives with an unnecessary layer of guilt that does not serve us.  This feeling has been passed down through generations, perhaps to help manage laws or to abide by biblical teachings.  But we sew the feeling into the fabric of our being, dragging its negativity wherever we go like a safety blanket.  Notice the rising of each guilty feeling and ask yourself, "Is this serving me in a positive way?".  Most likely it is not.

Imagine how peaceful our lives could become if we attempted to quiet the voice of guilt.  Play with our kids without thinking of work.  Watch the trees sway without feeling the need to be anywhere else.  Listen to a friend without wondering what time it is.  Find ways to live free from guilt.  Try to not just survive, but to thrive.

4 comments:

  1. Of all your posts so far, THIS one resonated the most so far. Many have resonated but this one most definitely hit home. I often feel tremendously guilty for the breakdown of my marriage. I feel I should have seen the signs, should have done this or that, etc. It is with me every day and I have a lot of trouble dealing with it sometimes. Thank you for posting this, for I needed to read it.

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    1. Maybe you were not to blame for the breakdown of your relationship. Perhaps the universe was trying to pull the two of you apart for reasons unknown right now. But to be selfish....we may not have had your glorious blog if that marriage had not ended. Just sayin'.

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  2. Amen, sister, preach it. :)

    One of my favorite quotes (I'm a quote person, you'll discover):

    "Condemning my imperfections has never enhanced my appreciation of life nor has it helped me to love myself more."

    Thanks for this post. I love how you weave images together---are you trying to get on my good side? :) Your writing is a breath of fresh air.

    I'm glad you liked the post on H.A.L.T. Let me know if you are ever in the SF area. I think we could have great conversations. (Keith, you are invited, too.)

    Another post of mine that you might like, it's related to what you've written here. It about looking at our frailties with grace and gentleness, not resignation. Here's the link:

    http://theattitudeofgratitudeinn.blogspot.com/2012/02/benefits-of-being-gentle-towards-our.html

    I enjoy your wisdom, it's soothing. Thanks for slowing down my active mind, reminding me again to take care of me. I accomplish that when I remember to love myself.

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    1. That was a lovely post Pablo! Thank you for sharing. I have been trying to act kindly to myself lately. I treat myself as though I was pregant...I sleep a lot, eat well, avoid stressful situations, keep away from liquor and love the extra lumps and bumps I discover haha

      I am glad my words touch you. Their meaning changes when reflected in the words and thoughts of their readers...amazing...

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