The Etch a Sketch

"As you go about your daily life, continually shake the Etch of Sketch of your mind and see things as a child would ... without expectations or recriminations."  Madiyson Taylor, DAILY OM


An Etch a Sketch was a toy quite popular years ago.  It had a red border with a silver plastic covered clear screen. Two round knobs were on the red border and when turned, they directed the lines on the gray slate.  When finished, one would just shake the toy and the design would disappear.  Then one would begin with a new design.

As we progress through this holiday season, let us again free our imagination to gently shake the 'etch of sketch' in our minds, recreating what we see.  We can attempt to move from perceiving words or actions from personalization to observation.  We can clear the slate from what originally imprinted our minds, to something fresh and new.  Yes, it can be that easy if we would only choose.

When someone speaks or acts to our displeasure, kindly remember that none of this is to be taken with direct reference towards our self.  There is no need for us to own someone else's opinion.  The words of others are authored by them and we have no responsibility for them.  Their words are a reflection of what they think or see or believe which does not belong to us unless we allow it.

Imagination is a freeing tool.  We can magically release what we first see, and change the lens to look again.  Think of it as a magic trick.  What we see often times is simply an illusion ... like the coin being taken from our ear. 

Place our energy into compassion to others, not into defending ourselves.  Understand how challenged this other person must be to speak such angry words or do misdeeds.  When we remember it has nothing to do with us, not really, we can disregard falsehoods sent our way.