There is a security check point when you exit our gym. The security guard has 2 basic tasks:
- Check that your key is in your vehicle.
- To press a button to open the boom (for everyoneโs protection from Covid-19).
For the past few weeks, this brother has decided to do something else during his working hours. Every day he places his chair underneath a tree a few meters away from the security check point.
Every time I exit the gym, I get furious! Why is he not doing his job? This is not very safe for Covid-19? Etc etc etc.
After a few weeks I would just press the button & ignore him sitting on the โbeachโ.
Until I caught myself.
Iโve created such a big gap between myself & this stranger that I cannot even look into his eyes anymore.
It didnโt feel good. I could feel the separation between us.
How did this happen?
This is a very simple example, but there is a very important key.
Weโve heard so many times in so many traditions โDo not judge thy neighbourโ. But why?
We judge consciously & most of the time unconsciously all the time.
We judge outside of ourselves, but donโt really realise that it is a mere reflection of how we judge ourselves within.
SEPARATION IS ALWAYS CREATED BY A JUDGEMENT.
Judgement = separation.
The moment that I ACCEPTED my brotherโs decision to not do his job (for whatever reason), I could breathe again. The separation/gap disappeared. I could look him directly into the eyes and say โMy Brother. I see you. Have a good dayโ. This acceptance & acknowledgement of who he is brought unity, compassion, intimacy, love & joy between us.
Acceptance dissolves separation.
The thing is that when we create separation (judge) outside, we create separation within (and vice versa). Separation within feels like depression, anxiety, loneliness etc.
In a time that we are forced to separate in so many different ways (creating even further separation between us), we can tip the scale in a simple way.
ACCEPTANCE.
Acceptance of ourselves. Have you noticed how you judge yourself & perhaps felt the separation within?ย
Accept our neighbours. Smile. Wave. Acknowledge the โstrangerโ. Look into the eyes of another.
We are all in this together & we cannot afford any further separation between us.
Accept whatever is needed for you personally outside of yourself, but most importantly within.
