The primary question might be phrased as this - 'do people ever really change?'. And, valid question it is, as we all have made our mistakes, learned or did not learn from them, and moved on or incorporated that info.
But, we've all known someone, or perhaps even been someone, who doesn't ever really change. We might adapt, temporarily, or even for years, to a situation if there is some gain in it for us. We might be able to modify our behavior, but does the inherent drive below that change, is it even inherent, is it innate?
I think all of us have seen someone who pretty successfully carried on the charade, and no insult, might have really bought into it. Think of the closeted homosexual men who were of the era where getting married, buying a house and having kids was the only path. Then, they 'wake up' some 30 years later and it does feel like they've lived a lie, or a charade, or a fantasy for their and others comfort.
I bring this up because the question I think we should face is not if we can change others. You can't. Is it 'can we change ourselves?' Not sure even on that.
However, maybe it is - 'what can we become?' If that implies change, then let that be part of the becoming. If that implies discernment and evolution of consciousness, let that be part of the process. Rather than the change, what if we focused on becoming... increasing that which is beneficial, reducing that which is detrimental, bringing balance where we understand it is needed.
That's my question for today and the next few practices... not what changes need to be made, but what can become of what is being done, and how should that guide the process of doing those things?
I'd take it to the mat, go deep, and give thanks and praise!
But, we've all known someone, or perhaps even been someone, who doesn't ever really change. We might adapt, temporarily, or even for years, to a situation if there is some gain in it for us. We might be able to modify our behavior, but does the inherent drive below that change, is it even inherent, is it innate?
I think all of us have seen someone who pretty successfully carried on the charade, and no insult, might have really bought into it. Think of the closeted homosexual men who were of the era where getting married, buying a house and having kids was the only path. Then, they 'wake up' some 30 years later and it does feel like they've lived a lie, or a charade, or a fantasy for their and others comfort.
I bring this up because the question I think we should face is not if we can change others. You can't. Is it 'can we change ourselves?' Not sure even on that.
However, maybe it is - 'what can we become?' If that implies change, then let that be part of the becoming. If that implies discernment and evolution of consciousness, let that be part of the process. Rather than the change, what if we focused on becoming... increasing that which is beneficial, reducing that which is detrimental, bringing balance where we understand it is needed.
That's my question for today and the next few practices... not what changes need to be made, but what can become of what is being done, and how should that guide the process of doing those things?
I'd take it to the mat, go deep, and give thanks and praise!
