This month as I have reflected on my theme, “Don’t Take Personally”, I began the process of witnessing. As I hear an opinion someone held out for me, how do I react? My first emotion is one of hurt and then I experienced anger, betrayal or even abandonment. Then quickly these emotions are followed by righteous indignation. How dare they? What gives them the right? Who are they to say such a thing and on and on the argument with myself continued…endless ruminations. But did this change their opinion? Of course, not but I had a choice. I could ignore or allow their opinion to curtail who I am and what I do. This is the beauty of Don Miguel Ruiz’s Second Agreement. It reminds me it is not about me. When the situation is reframed, I can allow the opinion without attachment. It is just a reflection of the person making the comment. Anthony Hopkins summed it up succinctly “My philosophy is: what people say about me is none of my business. I am who I am and I do what I do. I expect nothing and accept everything. And that makes life easier.
A beautiful poem by Marianne Williamson expresses the re-frame from the “voice of love”.
“Our Deepest Fear”
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness
That most frightens us.
We ask ourselves
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
You’re playing small does not serve the world.
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking
So that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine,
As children do.
We were born to make manifest
The glory of God that is within us.
It’s not just in some of us;
It’s in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we’re liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others”.
I knew that out of respect for myself I have to choose to let my light shine – I hope you will too………..
