Now, here’s a Dalai Lama rule for life that I can really get behind. It’s simple, it’s timely and yet, timeless.
It starts with self. I’m starting to realize that all important work begins with an inside job. Respect yourself, your opinions, your body, your life. Make choices that support and enhance my own growth, first. Address problems by dealing with my part of the mix — what mistakes have I made, how was my reaction unwarranted, what could I have done better. That may seem strange in some circumstances, but changing how I respond to events is just about the only power I can really own.
Only then can I look outward. Respect for others. Why does the Golden Rule seem so foreign in today’s harsh political and social climate? Sometimes it feels like I’m drowning in a sea of internet trolling, talking heads on TV screaming at each other, and the utter lack of public civility that has permeated almost every facet of society. Not me, baby. I’m not joining in. In fact, #3 of the Dalai Lama’s rules for living has reignited my desire to be more civil, more courteous and more respectful than before. I’m up for a restoration of kindness and empathy. And this rule is a good reminder.
Finally, the Dalai (can I call him that?) reminds us to take responsibility for our actions. If you did it, own it. If you made a mistake, clean it up. It’s simple, stupid. I’m taking responsibility for my actions in the form of online traffic school resulting from a speeding ticket I got returning from Yosemite. Even the cuteness of four blue-eyed, blondes from Mississippi (my sister and her girls) was insufficient to generate leniency. So I paid the ticket (a significant amount, I might add) and I’m doing my time online so I won’t get points on my license. I’m pleased to report that I’m scoring well on the chapter tests and I have great hopes for a successful conclusion. Note to all: distracted drivers are the new evil and corroding force in the lives. Be on the look out.
The second way I’m taking responsiblity for my actions seems a bit less tangible. Do you ever feel like you don’t have choices, trapped by life or otherwise victimized by circumstances beyond your control? I do sometimes. But the Dalai Lama’s tickler to take responsiblity for my actions reminds me that I’m not suffering from a lack of choices. I just don’t like the choices I do have. Well, too bad. That’s life in the fast line. Not liking my choices is not the same as not having choices. I have choices galore about what I can be doing, who I get to spend time with, and what I get to fill my life with. Focusing on what’s on the menu instead of what’s not is a good discipline.
Today, I’ll take responsibility for my actions by honestly reviewing my choices (even the ones I don’t like) , taking action and living with the consequences.
Boonedoggler 