The courage to marshal one’s armies against oneself
How serious are you about how you affect others? One of the most powerful self-disciplines is to check your intent before you speak or act. Is what you are about to say or do going to create connection or separation? Will it uplift or tear down? Will it create or destroy?
Anger always wants an outcome. It wants vindication. It wants to lash out. It wants to get even. It wants to hurt. Acting in anger usually tears down and destroys. It is reactionary. Better to find our center before we act.
Life is frustrating. People say and do thoughtless things. Not a day goes by that we are not seduced by anger, judgment, sarcasm, and pride. Are we strong enough to pass on these things? Are we willing to check our intent before we act?
Sometimes what we do not say or do can make all the difference. Our ego wants vindication. It wants to be right. It wants to be clever. It wants to elevate itself above others. But some of our thoughts are just better kept to ourselves. Does acting on them really solve anything? Or does it just gratify our ego?
The I Ching or Book of Changes (Wilhelm/Baynes edition, 15th hexagram, six at the top- link), calls for such self-discipline: “Genuine modesty sets one to creating order and inspires one to begin by disciplining one’s own ego and one’s immediate circle. Only through having the courage to marshal one’s armies against oneself, will something really forceful be achieved.”
Next time you are about to be clever, be right, argue a point, or act in anger- ask yourself, “Can any good come out of this?” If not- why say it? Swallowing your pride is hard, but it sure beats the alternative of destruction and separation.
About author:
Michael Hoffman’s passion is guiding people to connect with their natural gifts. He believes that we all have innate gifts that hugely benefit others and the world when we offer them. The purest example of these gifts is the Native American concept of medicine or the gift you offer your people. Michael defines your medicine or gift as the natural effect you have on other people when your heart is open. Unfortunately, the demands of our current culture to comply and fit in often distract people away from their inherent gifts and the natural expression of their being. Michael believes many of us have forgotten our dreams and what we are about. This sadly results in a loss of purpose, passion, and vitality. As an innate gift specialist, Michael offers retreats, classes, and individual sessions to allow people to reclaim their natural gifts. These venues allow people to identify, awaken, and offer their gifts. This experiential work incorporates Zen thought, Native American ceremony, rites-of-passage, and releasing limiting belief systems. Michael also maintains his meta blog to provide knowledge, skills, and awareness for unfolding your natural gifts. He is currently compiling this knowledge and research into a college class and book. Michael earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1987 and Master of Social Work in 1996. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. In addition to his formal education, Michael studied and apprenticed with a Zen Master and spiritual teacher for 22 years to learn how to guide people to understand themselves. He has worked with people professionally since 1986 as a psychotherapist and teacher. Michael currently resides in Oceanside, California.
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9 Responses to “The courage to marshal one’s armies against oneself”
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I sneaked in to read it before this was published on FB. Great words of wisdom!
Great content Michael! I myself have blogged on the impact and effects on ones self, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I would love to be able to get your input on my belief series on my personal site. I am getting into public speaking more and more, and I could use the opinion of one. Thanks again for sharing! :]
Thanks for the comment Avian. I checked out your Belief Series blogs and left a comment on your site. Thanks for reaching out.
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Thank you for your comments and compliments.
Thank you Link Building. Thanks for staying tuned.