Week 11: Original Steps

“While there are infinite ways to stumble and do harm, the purpose of consciousness is to reduce the distance between who we are and what we do, between what we know and how we care.” ~Mark Nepo

We are linked in our humanity the way the earth holds a tree, so that tree can hold a nest, so that nest can hold a bird, so that bird can drop a seed that will in time give birth to the next tree.

• Week 11: Original Steps
• The Book of the soul - 52 paths to living what matters by Mark Nepo

Original Steps

Another lesson from my father was to not change who we are because of the way other people act. An action that is often easier said than done. When someone is unkind, we often protect ourselves with the same response, not risking looking weak. But is it weak? 

I choose not to live in a cynical world, growing angry from destructive comments and instead search the ways of compassion. Do not give up the kindness in your heart, he said. Learn to recognize the inner battles for those who act harshly. Listening provides a new viewpoint, the frustration often bubbles up from a place of pain. Noticing the anger in the world, I still prefer the light of hope and kindness. 

We know there are many who see the good in others, regardless of their struggle. They have learned to accept others where they are in their journey.  As Mark Nepo says,  “we all carry a pilot light of Spirit that we steward while here.” There is good in us all, sometimes we just have to remove the ego from our response and change our original steps.

If I had experienced different things, I would have different things to say. ~Mark Nepo