All Metaphysics

Acting out. What is the deal with this? It feels really good for a few minutes at least! I was reading in THE POCKET PEMA CHADRON book (I recommend this reading by the way) and she speaks of us seeking long term relief from indignation, anger, fear and all other hurts we have struggled with. She talks about how we equate this acting out as a form of relief from the anguish and that while it may feel good for a moment, we will not find peace in it at all. “It is as if you picked up hot coals with your bare hands and flung them at your enemy, you are guaranteed to be burned.”

I witnessed a slinging of sorts this weekend. I read the Facebook post with a grimace on my face. The new age of social media has crippled our sensitivities for sure. It is so easy to lash out and think it will help us feel better and, in the end, it makes us feel worse and look really bad to those that read it. Even if you felt you were justified in what you said, it will always reflect on you, not them. Pima Chadron says that if we begin to surrender to ourselves by dropping the story line, as she calls it, we can begin to feel the tenderness that is under all the harshness. By being kind to ourselves we become kind to others.

What does that even mean? How do I feel better by doing that? Pima Chadron explains it when she talks about adding to the aggression. Striking out is adding to the pain. By being kind to yourself, from a place of love and respect, our acting out becomes that of love and forgiveness. This always brings us less pain. Pima Chadron suggests asking yourself, “Am I going to practice peace, or am I going to war?” Forgiveness is not about accepting or condoning anything. Forgiveness is about YOU, your peace and moving on with your life. Choosing forgiveness is choosing peace. If you are struggling with finding your peace, there are some really good practices to help you do just that. Reach out and we can work on it together!

Have a peaceful day!