“Looking at beauty in the world, is the first step of purifying the mind.” ― Amit Ray

For the past few weeks there have been signs that spring is right around the corner. Watching the flower stems produce the buds is exciting because it signifies the end of winter, and this is great news for me here in Ohio.
I noticed two flowers had bloomed along the wood line, so I know they were not planted there. On a couple of occasions, I would walk over to the patch and take pictures of what I would call “the natural beauties.” I event captured them on video as they were tossed around by the crisp morning air. I never had a desire to pick them, but as a child I would have.
This morning, as I ran by the flower patch, the flowers were gone. Someone had picked them and the first thought I had was how rude and selfish of them to do such a thing. I was a little disappointed in not seeing the flowers. I felt that whoever picked them was only thinking of themselves and not considering how picking those flowers would affect someone else.
What a different world it would be if we all truly took a moment to think about how our actions might affect someone else!
This made me stop and think about some of my recent actions and how they may have affected others. It’s in these very moments like this that make me really take notice of what I do. I have come to learn that if some type of emotion is triggered with in me by someone else’s actions, there is something that I can learn from.
I realized I can be impulsive and inconsiderate of other people’s feelings, and I don’t always stop and consider the ramifications of my actions, but with self-awareness comes new insight and new behaviors. Life is always offering us an opportunity to learn and grow even if someone cuts the flowers.
Taking a moment before we speak, or act can make a huge difference in all our relationships whether it is with ourselves, with others or with the world.
What I learned from this morning’s walk is this:
- Don’t be so hard on others.
- Don’t be so hard on myself too.
We are all doing the best with what we know at our own level of consciousness. Awareness is key!
Quote Source: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/mindfulness
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Instead of hiding from the Jehovah’s Witness that started coming to my home a few weeks ago, I invited the two women in to discuss “The Good News”. It’s been an amazing learning experience not in the sense of religion or spirituality but as in learning who I have become over the past few years. I think the Bible study sessions have become a form of checks and balances in my beliefs. As for me, I have no desire to convert but I enjoy discussing a hot button topic and do not feel diminished when we do not come to the same conclusion. I know in order for anyone to grow and expand into the best version of themselves, one must not be afraid to step out of their comfort zone. I must admit, I don’t know why or how long we will continue to meet, but I do know that what ever is happening is only for my good, and that’s great news.