Openness means being receptive. Life will present you with innumerable lessons, none of which will be useful to you unless you recognize them and are open to their inherent value. The lessons will show up every day of your life and as difficult as some of them may be, you need to change your perception and come to see them as gifts, or guides along your path toward living as your authentic self. When you accept the lessons that life brings, no matter how unpleasant or challenging they may be, you take the crucial first step toward finding your true self and your purpose. You begin to cultivate the essential attitude of openness. I am often asked how people can recognize their lessons. My response is that each persons lessons are always self- evident; it is just a matter of what lenses the person is wearing at the time. If they are wearing the lenses of resistance, they may become angry or bitter and this stubbornness will prevent their personal growth. If they are wearing the lenses of openness and clear discernment, it will eventually result in their growth and advantage. It is easy to spot those lessons that you perceive as opportunities, because they are attractive. Getting a big promotion at work does present certain lessons, such as responsibility and willingness. Working on a new love affair presents lessons like trust and compromise. Becoming a parent for the first time teaches the lessons of patient and discipline. These lessons are easily recognized because they come wrapped in attractive packages. Being open to these lessons isnt so hard. More difficult to recognize are the lessons that make it seem as though you are getting a raw deal from life. When you are not open to seeing your lessons, losing your job looks like a catastrophe rather than an opportunity to learn the lessons of forgiveness or flexibility. Experiencing heartbreak can look like a crisis, rather than a hint to learn the lessons of kindness or unattachment. Becoming a parent for the first time to a child who is disabled can appear to be punishment, rather than a chance to learn about healing or support. While the less attractive lessons may not be fun, they can actually be the biggest gifts you receive. Remember, if you want to truly live from your authentic self, you must be open to learning and the lessons you are given so that you may grow into the person you want to become.
Posted on: Sat, 12 Jul 2014 08:46:35 +0000
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