During a random walk of the web, which I do rather infrequently, I came across this piece by Saskia Davis, which, at the risk of being maudlin, I pass on. It softened my normal curmudgeonly self at least for a few moments....
"Symptoms of Inner Peace"
* A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.
* An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
* A loss of interest in judging other people.
* A loss of interest in judging self.
* A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
* A loss of interest in conflict.
* A loss of the ability to worry. (This is a very serious symptom.)
* Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
* Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.
* Frequent attacks of smiling.
* An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.
* An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.
While I appreciate and strive for this, I am currently struggling with a personal reflection regarding these Symptoms. There is one who is also on the path of complete inner peace, but has shut out the parallel world of others. I.e., s/he has, without judgement or worry, has caused inner pain for someone else (who cares and IS connected to them). "They" seem to have adopted the idea of "I'm not going to worry about it, I am not interested in conflict (or "drama"), I will Let It Be." Where is accountability in this? Or am I too caught in judging? I am sitting on the other side hoping for this one's awareness and acknowledgement of pain caused, but I'm witnessing unawareness - and at the same time, there seems to be submersion into these Symptoms of Inner Peace above. I try to be supportive of this one's path to achieve this, however I wait longingly for accountability of pain caused.
ReplyDeleteDear Derick, I thank you for these words:)
ReplyDeleteI pray that inner peace does not make me insensitive to the needs of my family, friends, community, world.
ReplyDeleteMy personal challenge is to find and sustain balance, to hold attitudes that help me, from a ground of personal inner peace, contribute with caring and responsibility. Wish, as I might, that others act in less hurtful and more responsible ways, I have come to understand that, when not released, disappointment at their failure to meet my expectations impedes my own joy, curtails my own energy while doing nothing to change the others. At http://symptomsofinnerpeace.net/Authors_Website/Inner_Peace_Thrives.html, I have written a simple list of what has helped me the most in this regard. (Only the list is simple; the discipline involved can be challenging) . I hope this helps Anonymous in his/her pain.
Saskia Davis, author
SYMPTOMS OF INNER PEACE
Thanks for the Post Derick, it is not maudlin at all!!!
ReplyDeleteIn fact the Non-dual philosophy of Vedanta is all about this.
One who has such characteristics is said to be Liberated right in this life (Jivanmukta). Liberation is "Freedom" from being affected by the afflictions and the joys of the world - an immutable Happiness (Ananda).
I listed some such markers which can be neuroscientifically assessed :
http://www.nondualitymagazine.org/nonduality_magazine.4.jivanmuktarevised_27_apr_2011.htm
regards,
@Saskia, I thank you for your words of better understanding. This is helpful in detaching and losing expectations (it's a process), as well as helping with my own inner balance. I have referred to your website and thankful to see Inner Peace Thrives. I like this list of symptoms that Deric has shared! And so, with attempting to lose those bouts of interpreting others' actions, fear and worry about others and their personal paths, I hope enjoy such symptoms of appreciation and frequent attacks of smiling! :) Already starting! (still a ways to go though, this is quite a painful experience for me to trudge through)
ReplyDeleteThank you again. And thanks to Deric for leading me here. MUCH LOVE!!