Contemplative Monday

The following quote is taken from: 'Heart Advice, Weekly Quotes From Pema Chodron'.

THE BEGINNING OF GROWING UP

"Opening to the world begins to benefit ourselves and others simultaneously.

The more we relate with others, the more we discover where we're blocked.

Seeing this is helpful, but it's also painful.

Sometimes we use it as ammunition against ourselves: we aren't kind, we aren't honest,

we aren't brave and we might as well give up right now. But when we apply the instruction

to be soft and non-judgmental to whatever we see at this very moment,

the embarrassing reflection in the mirror becomes our friend.

We soften further and lighten up more because we know it's the only way we can continue

to work with others and be of any benefit in the world.

This is the beginning of growing up."