Day 157/366 days Towards Self-Mastery.
Black Lives Matter.
There are several locations around the world that are considered to be the cradles of civilisation. Some suggest that the features of a civilisation include cities, government, religion, social structure, writing and art. Arguments abound as to the benefits of the contributions of various cultural groups.
Yet I wonder if we have completely missed the point of what makes us civilised.
A quick google of definitions: civilised: at an advanced stage of social and cultural development; polite and well-mannered. Two separate definitions yet I wonder if we can be one without the other.
It seems to me that at the heart of what it means to be civilised must be our... heart! Our ability to connect, to relate, to listen, to believe, to trust, to support each other.
As we look on from afar, at the uprising of people of colour in America, connect with what is stirring within you?
Whether you are experiencing resonant feelings or whether you are experiencing judgements, the only way we can bridge the gap between their experiences and ours is to listen, to hear, to believe, to trust that they are expressing what is real for them, what is true or them.
Even when we interpret things differently, know that our experience is not ever going to be the same as those of others, even if we seem to have the agreement of those around us.
For me I'm making a point of listening to those people of colour around me. When it feels uncomfortable its time to listen more deeply to them and to my own inner experiences. It's time to examine my reactions and resolve anything that creates separation of me from others.
Resolving my own pain is just as important as resolving any need for judgement.
The resonance that I want to contribute to a civilised collective is empowering acceptance and inclusion.
366 days Towards Self-Mastery
When I considered my New Year's intentions for 2020 I had just one: To allow my heart to love what it loved...and let it lead me. (If not now, then when?)
I've spent months working on integrating my life. To live life more fully with my home life, my interests, my work, my responsibilities, all coming together, all connected. I want to give each the attention that they desire and need, and still have time and energy for the others. That means living and working from the heart.
As I was clearing out my bookshelf over the Christmas break I discovered Simple Abundance. I set it aside to explore it on New Year's Day as I lazed through another delicious day of nothingness. Sarah, the author, says this book is about living in grace. Living in grace I realised, is about Self-Mastery.
My thirst for understanding the human condition has driven me all my life, and hand-in-hand with self-mastery it has been a life-long goal. And seeing as I love to write, that living in grace is about self-mastery, and I love a bit of a challenge, then if I am truly going to let my heart lead, I really don't have any other choice. So scary as it feels, I'm starting out on a daily mission of leaning into the suggestions of this daybook and making a daily post to keep me accountable. If not now, then when?
I'm Josie. You can find out a little more about me here.
Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy: by Sarah Ban Breathnach.
This book is written for the Australian and NZ market because it refers to seasonal changes. It's available on Amazon here if you'd like to follow along.
Comments