It is no accident or plagiarism that the common idea running through every religion or spiritual philosophy is the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.” I don’t find that language helpful, though—Do unto others as you would have them do to you. It feels like a “should” or like a sweet idea, but highly impractical in the harsh world. And even if you accept the Golden Rule as a personal operating principle, there are questions embedded in it, like: “Well, what about THEM? Why don’t they do unto me first?” Or “People shouldn’t be allowed to get away with their bullshit.” Or “If I do unto them first, they will take advantage of me like they always have.” Our minds cook up all sorts of retorts to the Golden Rule. So, I have adopted my own language. My rule is this: Love your own tender self. Forgive yourself for being a flawed, imperfect, bumbling human. Shower yourself with warmth. And then extend that tenderness, and forgiveness, and warmth toward every flawed, imperfect, bumbling human who crosses your path today. Every day, increase the warmth toward self and others. See past your annoyance and your pride and your fear into the warm heart of the other. Warmth to warmth. And then watch what enfolds. It will blow your mind with its simplicity and its power. Will it magically make assholes into saints? No! But most people aren’t assholes. Some people are, but most are just hurt and struggling and waiting to be loved, seen, valued. Your warmth can be an invitation that unlocks their own warmth.

~Elizabeth Lesser

may you lean into your great loves….

inquiry for today~ do not shy away from sincere care…..

aligned and clear

He didn’t mind how he looked to other people,

because the nursery magic

had made him Real,

and when you are Real

shabbiness doesn’t matter.

~The Velveteen Rabbit