It is times when the ground beneath us is constantly shifting that we see the rawness of humanity, the authenticity of us all. That may be a strength of character or it may be something very different. The mask through which we view the world can begin to slip and what remains underneath is our true self or, our lower self. Some of us may feel sadness or hurt by the rawness of another, but remember we are all finding our way through this Global Pandemic, and in times of uncertainty where fear is rising, the part of ourselves that some may call our dark side, may be exposed. Fear does that, it strips us of how we want the world to see us and what is left is our true self.
Over the past weeks I have watched, heard and experienced stories and situations of how fear is undermining kindness, I’ve watched what has arisen within me as I’ve witnessed those situations unfold. It’s funny how emotions are fluid, what first seems like annoyance can quickly become anger, and the more energy we put to that the more it grows. But if we can simply acknowledge the emotion and just watch it, it morphs into something else. I admit I have felt astonishment, then annoyance, and then I moved into anger. Stop! What is happening? I watch and I breathe, sadness rises for all beings, I breathe, making way for a softness, a kindness, wishing all beings the same as I wish for myself, a warmth, a connection to love, and understanding of each other.
In the words of the Buddha, life is suffering, and that suffering is caused by our attached. Attached to our life and lifestyle, our possessions, our family and friends, our sense of safety and security. All of which are now under threat. Anger can surface as our perceived sense of control is slipping away, under that anger lies fear. Instead of reacting with anger, go deeper and explore the fear, acknowledge it, touch it, sit with it and let it unfold. Not now, not ever, are we in control of our external life, only that which is internal. Let go of the illusion and move into acceptance, suffering softens. Warmth, kindness and love rises.