Equalizing

Good Morning,

Now I have nothing against individuality, but sometimes we miss out
on the fact that we are more alike than different. This can be
powerful for those who do not feel they belong and quite humbling for
those who pride themselves on their uniqueness.

Try this; instead of going through our day caught up in our own
world, take a few minutes, or a few hours, to focus on practicing
"equalizing". It is simple and direct, yet a real eye opener to
consider others a different way. When you meet another person we
think. "just like me, this person wants to be happy; this person does
not want to suffer. Just like me this cashier or waiter who is
looking tired wants happiness and does not want suffering. Just like
me, this parking attendant who seems impatient wants joy and vibrancy
in their life. Just like me all the people standing in this long line
getting restless want happiness and don't want suffering.

When we practice this we encounter our own habit of thinking we are
the center of the universe, and that out pains, our fears, our
dreams, our yearnings are somehow different and more important. It
can be quite shocking and humbling to realize how alike we all are.
The more we cultivate this practice of equalizing, the more difficult
it becomes to draw a solid line between "us" and "them". This makes
it difficult to justify hurting or neglecting others.

The Buddha said: "See yourself in others. Then who can you hurt? What
harm can you do?"

Have a restful day and hold this thought - When the sun rises, it
rises for everyone.

Peace and Love, Jim