The wishes of loved ones, sometimes, create an interesting dynamic between maintaining harmony and leaving many feeling stuck and unsure how to find true joy.
Let's face it, it's very hard to 'be yourself'. Societal, cultural, occupational, familial expectations abound. At 68 years of age, I'm still not sure who I really am and often wonder if anyone actually does. We act out many parts to fulfill the image that others place on us-and get lost in them. They become habit. The quiet of meditation and spiritual contemplation helps me realize I am not alone in this way of thinking and feeling, and gives me at least some peace knowing that when others impose their image of me, on me, that I can say to myself- I am who I am and that's Ok. I can compromise and accept how they are without letting it affect me. 'I am' is a sacred mantra going back to the beginning of time. 'I am' connects us to all beings present, and past. But then you know this Gurdeep! I appreciate you and your writing. May you be at peace-Inshallah
Thank you, Jim, for sharing such profound wisdom! The journey of self-discovery is indeed lifelong, and there's something beautiful about embracing uncertainty while staying true to our core. Though perfection remains an impossible dream, that's perfectly fine. Like a tree that bends with strong gusts yet remains standing, we adapt to life's challenges while keeping our roots intact. Your insights about meditation and spiritual contemplation as tools for inner peace are particularly enlightening. Thank you for this thoughtful reflection.
Hi, Gurdeep! I love your article from today! I think of myself as marching to the beat of my own drum. I been this way for as long as I can remember. It’s a lonely road most of the time but better to listen to my own inner voice than somebody’s else’s. I think you’re great and doing fine just as you are! I love you! ❤️
My lived experience has me believing there is credence in what the Buddha said... "Attachment is the cause of all suffering." Most folks in our culture equate love to some form of attachment.
My quest has me believing that the highest form of love is seeing past people's ego/ persona/ mask and seeing the omnipresent Creator God within them...
The Christian Bible has a number of references to our being a part of the omnipresent God, the Sanskrit word Namaste has similar meaning.
When we can see past appearances and judge with righteous judgement we can treat everyone with what I consider the highest for of Love... Reverence for the omnipresent God within them...
We are to Love selflessly and unconditionally.
The word sin originally meant to miss the mark... We miss the mark when we fail to express God/ Unconditional Love towards whom or what is set before us in the moment... We all have missed the mark, that's why we have reincarnated... to learn to be Self Realized and Live and Love and forgive those who fail to Love all unconditionally.
In the words of Sri Sathya Sai Baba... Love all, serve all.
Yes, I completely agree with everything you wrote. I often feel like people don’t really try to understand someone else’s point of view, or they’re not willing to give space when someone thinks differently. I believe it’s important to allow others the freedom to express their perspective, even if we don’t understand it, and even if we never will.
No one owns anyone. We may be born through someone, but that doesn’t mean they control us. Like you said, most people don’t even remember their ancestors, and one day, no one will remember us either.
So, everyone’s on their own journey. I just hope people find the courage to follow their heart instead of living for what society or family expects. I know it’s not easy, but taking small steps and listening to your inner voice is more important than trying to please others. Because no matter what we do, society will always find something wrong, and we’ll just end up feeling more frustrated.
These lines are very beautiful-
When the waves of difficult feelings crash around you, let self-kindness be your anchor!
Thank you Dear Gurdeep, for writing about this! 🙏🏽
Let's face it, it's very hard to 'be yourself'. Societal, cultural, occupational, familial expectations abound. At 68 years of age, I'm still not sure who I really am and often wonder if anyone actually does. We act out many parts to fulfill the image that others place on us-and get lost in them. They become habit. The quiet of meditation and spiritual contemplation helps me realize I am not alone in this way of thinking and feeling, and gives me at least some peace knowing that when others impose their image of me, on me, that I can say to myself- I am who I am and that's Ok. I can compromise and accept how they are without letting it affect me. 'I am' is a sacred mantra going back to the beginning of time. 'I am' connects us to all beings present, and past. But then you know this Gurdeep! I appreciate you and your writing. May you be at peace-Inshallah
Thank you, Jim, for sharing such profound wisdom! The journey of self-discovery is indeed lifelong, and there's something beautiful about embracing uncertainty while staying true to our core. Though perfection remains an impossible dream, that's perfectly fine. Like a tree that bends with strong gusts yet remains standing, we adapt to life's challenges while keeping our roots intact. Your insights about meditation and spiritual contemplation as tools for inner peace are particularly enlightening. Thank you for this thoughtful reflection.
you are an Old Soul... You are THE I Am... You and The Father are One...
Wow. There is such freedom and potential in your words; yet I am too indoctrinated and afraid to break out of social norms and live my truth.
if you do you won't regret it... you will be emancipated.
Hi, Gurdeep! I love your article from today! I think of myself as marching to the beat of my own drum. I been this way for as long as I can remember. It’s a lonely road most of the time but better to listen to my own inner voice than somebody’s else’s. I think you’re great and doing fine just as you are! I love you! ❤️
I really agree with this- very well written and makes me think about how to live my life to be true to my own beliefs.
My lived experience has me believing there is credence in what the Buddha said... "Attachment is the cause of all suffering." Most folks in our culture equate love to some form of attachment.
My quest has me believing that the highest form of love is seeing past people's ego/ persona/ mask and seeing the omnipresent Creator God within them...
The Christian Bible has a number of references to our being a part of the omnipresent God, the Sanskrit word Namaste has similar meaning.
When we can see past appearances and judge with righteous judgement we can treat everyone with what I consider the highest for of Love... Reverence for the omnipresent God within them...
We are to Love selflessly and unconditionally.
The word sin originally meant to miss the mark... We miss the mark when we fail to express God/ Unconditional Love towards whom or what is set before us in the moment... We all have missed the mark, that's why we have reincarnated... to learn to be Self Realized and Live and Love and forgive those who fail to Love all unconditionally.
In the words of Sri Sathya Sai Baba... Love all, serve all.
Yes, I completely agree with everything you wrote. I often feel like people don’t really try to understand someone else’s point of view, or they’re not willing to give space when someone thinks differently. I believe it’s important to allow others the freedom to express their perspective, even if we don’t understand it, and even if we never will.
No one owns anyone. We may be born through someone, but that doesn’t mean they control us. Like you said, most people don’t even remember their ancestors, and one day, no one will remember us either.
So, everyone’s on their own journey. I just hope people find the courage to follow their heart instead of living for what society or family expects. I know it’s not easy, but taking small steps and listening to your inner voice is more important than trying to please others. Because no matter what we do, society will always find something wrong, and we’ll just end up feeling more frustrated.
These lines are very beautiful-
When the waves of difficult feelings crash around you, let self-kindness be your anchor!
Thank you Dear Gurdeep, for writing about this! 🙏🏽
Amen... the New Covenant is written on your heart you don't need external direction.