Being gentle with ourselves is a process

“The most fundamental aggression to ourselves, the most fundamental harm we can do
to ourselves, is to remain ignorant by not having the courage and the respect
to look at ourselves honestly and gently.”
― Pema Chödrön

I painted this image, and I know that it is not a great work of art. That is ok because I still can enjoy it. I still can look at the colors and they make me smile. Somehow, this image reminds me of the southwest which I have always longed to visit, but have never been to.

Learning to be gentle with ourselves is a form of wisdom, creativity, and self-awareness. We are after all part of the universal design of all things. We were created in the image of God or Buddha or whatever your beliefs are.

Sometimes people will consider being gentle with ourselves as being uncaring toward others. They reason that if we are not meeting their needs, we are being selfish. In reality, we cannot take care of other's needs until we care for our own. Being gentle with ourselves is a gift we are giving the world because then we can give the best that we have to offer to others. It will not be out of obligation or frustration, but out of the spirit of true giving and love.

Learning to be wise is a never ending journey, and if you think you know what it is that is probably when you are getting further away from it. I am just trying to grasp tiny pieces of an entire tapestry that I may never and none of us may never understand. There are pieces to the puzzle of wisdom that do not fit neatly together. It is a process that can take years, a lifetime, or that can never be developed. But, it is worth going through the process. If the only thing we learn about wisdom is how to be more caring and gentle to ourselves and others, I would say that it is probably worthwhile.))

Peace