I know I cannot change how other people behave. I know I have to let go of my unreal expectations of other people, and not react (but respond) to their behaviour. So I return to daily meditation - I choose to remain healthy to myself and not react and absorb negative energy. I am working on removing anger and resentment through taking the time to mindfully breathe deeply throughout the day - take care of myself emotionally and physically.
In meditation, I have looked at how I can change my thinking towards negative stressors in my life. Being able to evaluate these areas through my practice is allowing me the opportunity to take back control of my mindfulness, my internal peace with myself.
I realize that other peoples opinions of me really don't matter... what matters is my opinion of myself. That time does not need to rule my existence; I can acknowledge time without giving it meaning. I am learning to accept the present moment in my life, as it is; and that a good measure of my success is how happy I am in the present moment (it is not defined by what I complete or accomplish in my job).
Off the Mat:
Being mindful of myself and those around me allows me an opportunity to 'check in' - take time to self-reflect on how our society's fast-paced living affects me. I can rediscover my equilibrium, a place of balance within myself, and reconnect to the calmer, happier me.
Namaste.
"Meditation practice isn’t about trying to throw ourselves away and become something better. It’s about befriending who we are already. The ground of practice is you or me or whoever we are right now, just as we are."
from Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings by Pema Chodron
