It's a tough life lesson that when you try to be more loving, forgiving and in greater harmony with those around you, you will discover that someone you have feelings for, like and care about turns out to be a person capable of doing awful, despicable, unjust things. Your trust is betrayed. If you think you are justified responding with anger, hate, disgust, public shaming and bringing justice for their actions, well... you are. Totally justified. And people encourage you to do all of these things. But you know: this is not who you are trying to be. You could never again be a person who didn't do those things. When someone breaks your heart and trust, don't break your own soul. They aren't worth your soul. Justice comes of its own accord, in its own time. It's not up to me anymore. When you reach for the capacity to be more loving, turns out you might have to learn that by learning to forgive in your heart (but not your actions) those whose poor choices adversel...
1. I hate the first straw, the first time you notice they are capable of doing something to you that you would never do to them, but they seem okay with it. The first straw is giving them the benefit of the doubt, being low maintenance and non-judgmental. 2. But then the straws start piling up and you have to make a choice: how many straws will you let accumulate? 3. I love the last straw. I'm grateful for the last straw. The last straw is clarity, resolve and peace. It is choosing to redirect your energy toward positive things instead of using it to rationalize the size and growth of the straw pile. 4. The last straw means there will be no more straws. Relief.
In Chinese, the verb 'to know' as in 'understand and be aware of' is made up of two characters, 'know' 知 and 'way' 道 .* So in Chinese, understanding is not just knowing, it's knowing the way, or path, to take. I think this is a really beautiful sentiment, as well as a very wise one. I like the idea that a part of understanding is taking action. Understanding motivates action, and hopefully, the right action for you. I'm trying to understand my 'calling' in life, my relationships, and my professional and personal goals. Maybe I don't need to be so hard on myself, that I don't understand it all easily. I'm still moving forward, which shows some level of understanding. Thanks, China, for this lesson. * 道 is also the character for Taoism, or 'The Way'
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