Mirror
REMEMBER THAT THE OTHER PERSON IS YOU.
This is the first of five sutras which Yogi Bhajan gave us in his teachings. An incredible phrase that can really make us think time and time again.
On that day where you feel like you are walking on a cloud, wow it feels so good and the world is awesome. Equally so, there are those days, or maybe years, when you felt like maybe things weren't going quite according to plan. During such moments, looking around at those less fortunate than us may sometimes elicit pity, but hopefully empathy would come instead. During the low times, those who seem to have it all might make us feel like the scale is not balanced instead of saying "good for them" or "one day things will be better for me too". Whatever the place one occupies today, it might be different tomorrow, for better or for worse.
Yogi Bhajan's phrase strikes a cord with me today since I need to remind myself that the other person could to be me one day. What if the tables were turned? It would be different if I stood in their shoes today. But for me, it's not just about trying to put yourself in the other person's position, but also being able to get excited when something is going the way they like, or being sensitive to how they handle stressful situations if that is what is happening right now, but most importantly just accepting them for who they are. Acknowledge them for who they are. Treat them as you would like to be treated (not an uncommon phrase if you are of Catholic upbringing).
This is how I am reminded and see our connection to one another today. Not simply in our daily interactions, where we live, what we believe in, rather, that no matter where you work, visit or live, there we are looking right at ourselves as we walk down the street, as we win the lotto, as we get fired from a job, as we drive, as we raise children, as we say goodbye, or as we go do laundry. Looking at each other is like looking in the mirror except it's better, because who you are connecting with is full of life and has an incredible story to tell, just like you.
This is the first of five sutras which Yogi Bhajan gave us in his teachings. An incredible phrase that can really make us think time and time again.
On that day where you feel like you are walking on a cloud, wow it feels so good and the world is awesome. Equally so, there are those days, or maybe years, when you felt like maybe things weren't going quite according to plan. During such moments, looking around at those less fortunate than us may sometimes elicit pity, but hopefully empathy would come instead. During the low times, those who seem to have it all might make us feel like the scale is not balanced instead of saying "good for them" or "one day things will be better for me too". Whatever the place one occupies today, it might be different tomorrow, for better or for worse.
Yogi Bhajan's phrase strikes a cord with me today since I need to remind myself that the other person could to be me one day. What if the tables were turned? It would be different if I stood in their shoes today. But for me, it's not just about trying to put yourself in the other person's position, but also being able to get excited when something is going the way they like, or being sensitive to how they handle stressful situations if that is what is happening right now, but most importantly just accepting them for who they are. Acknowledge them for who they are. Treat them as you would like to be treated (not an uncommon phrase if you are of Catholic upbringing).
This is how I am reminded and see our connection to one another today. Not simply in our daily interactions, where we live, what we believe in, rather, that no matter where you work, visit or live, there we are looking right at ourselves as we walk down the street, as we win the lotto, as we get fired from a job, as we drive, as we raise children, as we say goodbye, or as we go do laundry. Looking at each other is like looking in the mirror except it's better, because who you are connecting with is full of life and has an incredible story to tell, just like you.
:)
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