REACTIONS

It is overcast, but the Sun is trying to break out. That is how I am sometimes, but not today. I am feeling pretty Sunny; although I just read some things on the internet that could be depressing. I am confident that the outcome will be okay. More than okay, great. How can we watch the drama, on the world stage, without reacting?

I have decided I have to begin with myself. When I can overlook, taking offense in my daily life, perhaps I will be able to rise above conflict at both levels. It is amazing how many times I will react defensively, when there is no need. Is there ever a need? Why would one be defensive? What are we defending; our opinion of ourselves or the opinion of the other? If we loved ourselves, would we need to defend ourselves?

Ego is an interesting thing. Its involvement in defending ourselves, from another's opinion, is a misuse. The ego was developed to protect our fragile bodies, when we first experimented, with life on this planet. It was necessary to alert us, when we were being stalked, as prey. The ego was later used to manipulate and control us by those who sought power; but that is a different and long story; we discussed it before and probably will again.

The ego has no place in our relations with each other. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. We need not defend ourselves from others' opinions. Most of us say we want to be peaceful. Can we do that and be outraged? Can we do that with red hot reactions? Can we do that and be defensive? Can we do that and take offense?

I don't want to be crazy anymore. I know I can be peaceful, all the time. I know at my core I am love and I know I am surrounded by a loving universe. Neither I or the Universe needs defending.

How can we heal our relationships if we are always reacting? Hey, sometimes people are having a bad day or they didn't sleep well. Maybe they throw a barb or criticism our way; it doesn't help to throw gasoline on the fire, does it?

The other, is love, at the core, too. They are just not feeling it at the moment. Our silence can be healing. Silence is good. In silence; love can peek out. Most reactions, especially defensiveness, keeps love out.

We, humans, need to give ourselves a lot of latitude. We can have a firm intent, not to react defensively, and then we find ourselves doing it. We need to forgive ourselves and avoid discouragement. It is a journey. But we will make it. We can use whatever personal beliefs we have, whether we label it God, Our Higher Selves, Our Guides, Our Guardian Angels,The Great Spirit, Allah; it doesn't matter, what we call 'the help' it is there. The Universe is Love and help is available.

Whenever we experience our ego taking control, ask for help. When we get used to expecting, the energy of love around us to be embracing, always; we will find ourselves, not reacting to any perceived negativity. We can be above it. We don't feel love and compassion, for those who could use it, when we are reacting to them.

Some of us have been reacting defensively for a long time. It has become a habit. It is a habit we can overcome. The reward of calm and peacefulness is great. It is very reinforcing.

We are great reservoirs of Love and Peace. Let us not clog up the conduits by our silliness. We need no defense.

Happy Friday! Celebrate!

Love and Peace, Gregg