Day 11 of the Fast
My head had been spinning with my analysis of recent conversations. My ego was getting entangled with assumptions and judgements that were bringing me a lot of anguish and unnecessary anxiety as I planned for future activities. I was reading correspondence through a lens of previous interactions and feeling and seeing what I wanted to see. I read this card this morning and then looked back to reflect on the ways in which I was viewing those conversations. This exercise relieved me of so many thoughts and feelings that I was carrying, a heavy burden on my heart that I was able to gently let go and feel exhilarated and light. These irritations that I hold on to in my head, get in the way of accepting other people and all that they bring to the table. It makes my view of the world narrow and confined that I miss the opportunities and possibilities to connect meaningfully. We all have shortcomings and although diversity seems to highlight the differences in culture because it is most readily visible, appreciation for the differences in our temperaments is a sure way to establishing the unity that we so desperately seek with one another. I can take the time to remember my own mistakes before I am so quick to judge someone else and hold them to an impossibly high and unattainable standard. To practice seeing that person's good qualities when I am reading correspondence or conversing. I am experiencing a much welcome, warm wash of humility.
We trend to be perfectionists and our need to "get it right" is also passed to others so we cane lose tolerance. It's something I have to work on, too.