Get to Know Yourself

Originally Published June 18, 2008

Knowing others is intelligence;
Knowing yourself is true wisdom.
Mastering others is strength;
Mastering yourself is true power.

If you realize that you have enough,
you are truly rich.
If you stay in the center
and embrace death with your whole heart,
you will endure forever.

Chapter 33, Tao te Ching- translated by Stephen Mitchell

I am on my way to teach this morning and I felt inspired to write beforehand….it is interesting because I have been reading this passage in my classes on and off fo the past couple of weeks.

We have all been there, tying to figure out someone we are in some sort of relationship, whether it be a family relationship, a business relationship, a romantic relationship, even a friendship. Over time we feel as though we get to know these people really well. Often times, I find myself in situations where I am trying to figure out the motivation behind what someone is doing…..usually in a situation of conflict. When we are able to step back and take a look at ourselves and our reaction in the situation, often times if offers an opportunity for amazing growth and a deeper exploration of our true selves.

Getting to truly know yourself is a difficult process…..our ego always gets involved and our “monkey mind” often tells us lies. Through self exploration, breath and meditation we may find that we come closer to seeing our truth and who we really are….and what we all are???? Fantastic, brilliant beings, full of love and hope….and when you really connect with who you really are, the rest of the “stuff” seems to lose power and melt away!