turn the other cheek
Who ranks as the highest? One who does not harm anything. One who never retaliates. One who is always at peace regardless of the other person's disposition.
Buddha
such a difficult mantra to maintain; a worthy challenge, though. it imbues one with a sense of peace at such self-discipline, and allows one to observe from a different vantage point once put into practice.
another mile marker was passed may 23, 2007. the fourth year. *four years* of turning the other cheek.
i remember a point in my life before this. where i turned the other cheek because i was weak. that *can* happen. when you allow your principles to be compromised, when you become a victim and allow yourself to be. when you do it because it's easier to do than standing up for what you believe in.
sometimes it's the right thing to do in those situations. maybe it's not the right time to confront; perhaps there is a need for gathering of strength and resources. it happens. don't be discouraged if this is where you are; as long as you focus on a brighter goal, weathering what you must will give you drive and purpose.
now, i am in a different place. when i turn the other cheek, i do it with strength. defiance, even. it has taken me a long time to get to this point. part of it involved simply letting go of things that were no longer
a part of me. another part involved standing up for someone who cannot do so themselves. having to be the foundation and shield for those who are vulnerable has given me more strength and focus, and makes the slings and arrows thrown in my direction insignificant.
when you turn the other cheek, you take away attention from those who want it. you display at the same time your strength and vulnerability, and your willingness to put them out into the open, and take away the momentum from the maelstrom.
sounds preachy, but nothing is more satisfying to me than to see that by not feeding a fire, there is only one side being burned.
posted by :: at
10:20 AM
2 Comments:
such a nice entry.
i really love reading this and knowing firsthand that you really are *there*.
it's true; you have to pick your battles and pick them wisely. and if there isn't anything wiser than picking the battle for her sanity, safety and true unconditional love, i don't know what is.
much love <3
Yes. Sometimes this is the right path. There is no "one" direction, or path, or way....everything is situational, but knowing how to respond to a given situation with grace is by far the most important thing.
For advice on this, you should probably consult someone else....:)
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