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We all have issues, as well as undesirable qualities or traits that we don't like about ourselves. Most of us realize
that we are not perfect and that it is natural to have unpleasant thoughts, motivations, desires, or feelings. However, when
a person does not acknowledge these, they may ascribe those characteristics to someone else, deeming other people instead
as angry, jealous, or insecure. In psychological terms, such blaming and fault finding is called projection.
When
we are the target of projections, it can be confusing and frustrating, not to mention maddening, particularly when we know
that we are not the cause of another person's distress. Even people who are well aware of their issues may find that sensitive
subjects can bring up unexpected projections. They may feel insecure about a lack of funds and thus view a friend as extravagant.
Or, if they really want to get in shape, they may preach the benefits of exercise to anyone and everyone.
While we
can try to avoid people we know who engage in projecting their "stuff" onto others, we can't always steer clear of such encounters.
We can, however, deflect some projections through mindfulness and meditation. A useful visualization tool is to imagine wrapping
ourselves in a protective light everyday. At other times, we may have to put up a protective shield when we feel a projection
coming our way, reminding ourselves that someone else's issues are not ours. Although it's difficult not to react when we
are the recipient of a projection, it is a good idea to try to remain calm and let the other person know if they are being
unreasonable and disrespectful. We all know that it's not fun to be dumped on. Likewise, we should be mindful that we don't
take our own frustrations out on others. When we take ownership of our thoughts, motivations, desires, and feelings, we are
less likely to project our issues or disowned qualities onto others.
A few thoughts
May we all stand firm in the knowledge and comfort that all things are now, have always been and forever will be, in divine
order, unfolding according to a divine plan. And may we truly surrender to this truth, whether we understand it or not. May
we also ask for suppoer in consciousness in feeling our connection with the divine part of us, with everyone and with
everything, so we can truly say and feel we are one.
One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of
some magical rose garden over the horizon, instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today.
you must take personal responsibility. You can't change the circumstances, the seasons or the wind, but you can change
yourself. You don't have charge of the constilations, but you do have charge of wether you read, develope new skills, and
take new classes.
Motivate
Ask yourself what would happen if you reached for the stars, achieved the absolute main, most amazing thing in your life you
ever dreamed of. Don't contemplate or second guess yourself, just remember and register what comes to mind. Imagine the only
rule is that you could not fail; your dream would be a huge success beyond your wildest dreams. How would that make you feel?
Now multiply the feeling by 100. Are you psyched up now? Good, this is what I call motivation. Anything less will just mean
it'll be harder work and probably take longer to achieve.
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