Observe yourself. Take a day to observe the way you respond to people and various things. Observe your thoughts and your feelings. It takes some courage to take an honest look. And then totally accept everything that you observe about yourself. Don’t analyze it or put it in a box. Take away the, “I shouldn’t think that” (because you just did).
Take a deep breath and celebrate your humanity. It is you- uncensored. You might observe yourself: being defensive; being irreverent; getting your feelings hurt over something seemingly silly; checking out someone’s butt; thinking about how you have lost respect for someone, or making a snide comment to yourself about someone that is wasting your time with their mindless drivel. How human of you.
There may be some dark things. You may notice some anger, bitterness, jealousy, judgement, selfishness, or lechery. If you can accept these things as a part of you right now, you have made a huge step toward being free. After all, you have to embrace something about yourself before you can let it go.
Or maybe you are cool just the way you are. People told you it was not OK to be the way you are- they were wrong.
My favorite definition meditation is “receptivity to self” (Bart Anderson). You basically observe your thoughts without getting attached to them. So… practice some meditation as you walk through your day.
There is nothing that icky in there. I guarantee there is some really cool, human stuff. And at least it’s real. So let yourself have it.
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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