Unlearn the Habit

"You must unlearn the habit of being someone else

or nothing at all, of imitating the voices of others and

mistaking the faces of others for your own."

Hermann Hesse

Life seems so much easier when we can fall into a group of established people whether career or social.  We can relax and follow the gestures of those in the circle and duplicate behaviors.  This seems easier at first, but in time our inner spirit grows restless in search for self.

All of us have worn the face of another only to learn it is an ill fitting mask or disguise.  It becomes cumbersome as it misdirects others from our true nature.  It becomes stifling to stay between the lines and we begin to yearn to be our own true nature.

It is hard work to discover our unique skills.  It takes trial and error, but with persistence we gain an awareness of how much easier life becomes when we follow our own footsteps.  Mistakes made are our own and if our reaction is immediate, we can undo what we have done with lesser damage.  We begin to build a connectedness with all things once we are personally stronger.  We do not become sucked into others agendas as we are busy meeting our own.

Listen to the Teachings

"I have been and still am a seeker,

but I have ceased to question stars and books;

I have begun to listen to the teaching 

my blood whispers to me."

Hermann Hesse

Children in solitude laugh and play as though friends were gathered around them.  They have imaginary friends and magical insights abound.  It is unfortunate we lose these aspects as we are laughed at or ridiculed; and yet, they tend to appear in later years.

Through mediation we visualize interactions in differing scenarios or realms.  In dreams, we create what is seemingly impossible.  Through prayer, we converse with the unseen.  So our ability to communicate remains in tact throughout our life.

Dreams are too often kept silent and not shared.  We may feel self-conscious to share an insight appearing out of no where.  Our yearnings remain trapped in our fears.  It is only when we become aware of our personal worth that we gain the freedom to exercise our imagination with abandonment.