Real Self

There is in man a false self and a real self.
The real self contains the eternal; the false self contains the mortal.
The real self has wisdom; the false self ignorance.
The real self can rise to perfection; the false self ends in limitation.
The real self has all good, the false self is productive of all evil.
One can see both in oneself: God and the other one.
By conquering the other one, one realizes God.
This other power has been called Satan; but is it a power?
In reality it is not.
It is and it is not.
It is a shadow.
We see shadow and yet it is nothing.
We should realize that this false self has no existence of its own.
As soon as the soul has risen above the false self, it begins to realize its nobility. -- Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan

Preoccupation With Self

Preoccupation with self separates modern men and women from God, from their fellow human beings and ultimately from themselves.
I must relearn to forget myself, to contemplate a God who draws me out of myself and to serve others as the ultimate expression of selfhood.

Be Who You Are

See who you are.

Own who you are.

Be who you are.

Don't apologize.

-- Jerry K.

Once I own my shortcomings, once I tell them out loud to another person, I have taken full responsibility for myself - who I am, what I am- and how I have acted.
Now I am closer to my Higher Power, who has accepted me all along.
Now I can return to the spiritual support that is always available.
When I admitted who I am to myself and others, I am given the gift of self-acceptance and a sense of belonging to the human race.

Today help me tell myself, my Higher Power, and
at least one other person who I really am.

Elder's Meditation -- Know Thyself

It is only by knowing ourselves that we can get in touch with our power.
It is said, "Tell me what you know about yourself and I'll tell you what you know about God. Tell me what you know about God and I'll tell you what you know about yourself."
As we increase knowledge of ourselves, as we choose to grow spiritually, as we clean up our act, then we can teach the children.

My Creator, You have said "Know thyself."

Today let me see the wisdom of this Truth.

Give me Your insight of myself.

I am always walking the talk and most people can see it.

Today, help and guide me on the Red Road.

More Weeds

It does make a difference what you call things.

--Kate Douglas Wiggin

Most of us think of dandelions as weeds.

We buy special tools and poisons when they crop up and complain about them as surely as we welcome the spring that brings them.

Yet is there anything more lovely than a sea of yellow dandelions by the side of the road in June?

Or as remarkable in transformation as the filaments of the mature dandelion blowing on the wind?

Sometimes we let someone else define for us what are weeds and what are flowers.

We don't have to.

Much of the beauty of the world is that we ourselves decide what is beautiful according to our own feelings.

How lucky we are that, when we choose to, we can open our eyes and see!

Can I see the beauty in those around me right now?

Today's Gift by Anonymous

More Weeds

It does make a difference what you call things.

--Kate Douglas Wiggin

Most of us think of dandelions as weeds.

We buy special tools and poisons when they crop up and complain about them as surely as we welcome the spring that brings them.

Yet is there anything more lovely than a sea of yellow dandelions by the side of the road in June?

Or as remarkable in transformation as the filaments of the mature dandelion blowing on the wind?

Sometimes we let someone else define for us what are weeds and what are flowers.

We don't have to.

Much of the beauty of the world is that we ourselves decide what is beautiful according to our own feelings.

How lucky we are that, when we choose to, we can open our eyes and see!

Can I see the beauty in those around me right now?

Today's Gift by Anonymous

Knowing Happiness

Happiness is knowing that you do not necessarily require happiness.

-- William Saroyan

My struggle to attain happiness became easier when I realized I can be happy with having to struggle for it. My happiness can come from just being myself, living each day, doing what I need to do for myself. To be happy means I do not need to struggle to find happiness. Tonight I can be happy with myself and where I am right now.

Be True To Yourself

When we ignore our inner leanings, however, trouble arises.
Trying to live out somebody else's life script is like putting a size 10 foot into a size 7 shoe.
The size simply does not fit.
No matter how hard you force yourself to adjust to your situation, the discomfort continues.
Why not start off with the right fit?
Acknowledge your unique gifts and talents, as well as your wants and needs.
Then seek out situations and circumstances that will allow them their full expression.
This route may take time, but the results are worth it -- a life of peace and fulfillment that comes from being true to yourself.