lara4unow
Jedi
Yas said:Keit said:Chu said:So, in a sense, that brings "love for oneself", because we do have a part to play regarding where we are at in life. Just as we can see how our mistakes and mechanicalness led us astray/make us stupid/manipulative, etc. many times, we can also find a bit of solace in the fact that, through efforts and thanks to this wonderful network, even being able to See that, is something to be grateful for. Because from that comes the force to change, to give back to the Universe, to Be as best as you can be, no matter how many lives it takes. And we can find short instants of happiness in the present, without the illusion of eternal "rainbows and unicorns", or anything like that.
Thank you for the reminder, Chu. Indeed, there are so many things to be grateful for, especially when looking back and realizing how beneficial this network has been. How things could have been different, and how different still they may become, if more effort will be made in the same direction. And that we have a responsibility to show the Universe that we are indeed grateful, and make sure to utilize all the gifts that we were given.
So true and so beautifully put Chu and Keit. Thank you.
I think this is another instance in which "the devil is in the details". The problem with the "love yourself" talk is that it usually lacks objectivity. It is a "love" based on avoidance of that part of us which is uncomfortable and aggrandizement of what gives us comfort. Trying to "create" a reality of "eternal rainbows and unicorns" you mentioned, so to say. What you describe is different; It's love where you see yourself with your limitations and even "wrongdoings" and you accept where you're at and you also accept that you can do an effort to become better. And here is where the usual attributes of self-discipline, self-confidence, self-compassion, faith, etc., can play a role. But always balanced an fueled by the horror and suffering of our inevitable "human condition", so to say.
And yes, gratitude towards this network is very powerful too. Especially since it would be very difficult to have the chance to go through this path without others who help us see what we can't see and who put up different alarms systems so that we don't fall asleep, as G. said in a passage in In Search of the Miraculous. And, going back to love, what better example of love there is than this place where people try to wake you up and bring up that which is true in you? And then, the gratitude for that brings joy too. :)
Chu said:Hesper said:Like you said Yas, it seems the aim isn't to make the inner suffering go away. I think that that suffering, combined with the conscious discipline and utilizing our knowledge practically works miracles for us. And with those fruits we make life that much better for one another. Thanks for sharing
Along these lines, I'm currently reading a book called Warrior Way, which Ark had mentioned the other day. In it, Alexis Carrel is mentioned, and I wanted to find out a bit more about him. The first thing I stumbled upon were these quotes:
Discipline brings us effort, sacrifice and suffering. Later it brings us something of an inestimable value: something of which those who live only for pleasure, profit or amusement will always be deprived. This peculiar indefinable joy which one must have felt oneself to understand is the sign with which life marks its moment of triumph.
Hard conditions of life are indispensable to bringing out the best in human personality.
In joy or sorrow, health or sickness, prosperity or the reverse, the effort must still continue. One must rise after every fall and gradually acquire courage, faith, the will to succeed and the capacity to love.
Very good quotes! Thanks for sharing them!
Hi All
Just got Warrior's Way. It was very difficult. My 65th birthday was on the same day as this transmission. I am still with you all even though my existence has been very weakened. I thank you for all you have given me via this forum and all the selfless pursuits of effort from all participants. I am doing the best I can to contribute and hope to continue to do more going forward.