Before my virtues pick this morning, I was contemplating the Golden Rule, the various iterations that the world's wisdom traditions have explained and that study of the world of nature supports. Whichever way we look at, the harmony of all of these conclusions instructs us to consider our words, our actions and their cumulative effect. The consequences should be our focus not out of a fear of reprisal, but because it is conducive to the well-being and development of one's self and others. After what feels like a long week of evening activities, I know that my internal reservoir is low on patience. How may I moderate my behaviour in the many spaces that I have scheduled, to ensure that I am dispersing energy that is conducive to unity and development? Focusing my thoughts on the ideas in the article I have read are very helpful. When my patience is low however, I am heedless of consequences and that area of my brain that simply reacts is very alert to pounce. It feels as if it is even before I have had an opportunity to form a thought. This is the interruption I seek to have more of today, I know that this day will offer many opportunities to practice and learn. I have a deep understanding of how I want to show up and perhaps if I take the time to consider the material being covered, possible questions that may result and the personalities that will be present, I may avoid engaging my reactionary persona or moderate its often deleterious effect. For sure I will have to arm myself with prayer but maybe it involves equipping myself with a higher dose than what I would do normally. I may ask for assistance to cause my instant reactions to be infused with fostering unity. It is amazing to me that the older I get I see that to live in this world with the intention of contributing to the creation of systems and institutions that will bring about the social change so longed for, takes an extraordinary amount of effort on my part. It is lonely sometimes but isn't that the case when something new is being introduced? Thinking in new ways and behaving in new ways that are rare is hard, exhausting and at times very painful, but so necessary. I often get it very wrong but when I can purify my intentions in this way, the means of progressing is clear. Really the solid, steady and unwavering constant is reliance on God. Taking the time to put complete trust and acceptance in God, is where I can be unequivocally sure I will be assisted. This is the courage that decisiveness brings to me today as I contemplate its practices and stand firmly in my intention.
It is hard work, and, as you say, often lonely, but it is the only work that makes sense in the grand scheme of things. We need to seek out those that feel the same way to bond with to dispel some of that feeling and get more done. A tall order and not one I am good at but...