Ego Exchange.

Happy February!

I added some reading materials and new blog/weblinks this afternoon (see fancy bars to the right). Byron Katie, Tara Brach, and Swami Kripalu (via their words) have taught me new, less stressful, ways of seeing and being. I hope you get a chance to soak up their goodness also...and, ahem, The Onion is a daily reminder of the delight in Laughing-til-I-Cry, and finding the humor in our crazy world!

I suspect that learning the Art of Letting Go is gonna be a continuous process, and I'll be referencing the above-mentioned authors for years to come when it comes to Living my life. To narrow down this VAST subject, let's discuss letting go of being right: How [the hell] do I let go when I "know" I am "right"? What makes me feel as though I have to defend myself if I'm accused of being wrong (making wrongful actions, decisions, etc.)?

Many religions make the point that only a higher power can "judge" our actions. (Perhaps, even, the balance of our actions more than each one individually?? hmm...) Similarly, Byron Katie asks as one of her 4 questions, "how can you REALLY KNOW [insert whatever belief/statement] is true?".

What would happen if we accept that we don't really ever know? Would the world explode in loving heathen-patchouli-fire? ;)

But for real, what would happen when bickering with your loved one if you acknowledged that you MAY not be RIGHT? Personally, I feel some relief when I am at this point: Relief that I don't have to defend but just be. Then comes the hard part.

Would you be angry that your friend or partner doesn't acknowledge the same? (Chances are good that they won't.) That's exactly what I felt this past weekend, and I realized that letting go of being right doesn't do a lot of good if you are not willing to accept that others are free to maintain their righteousness.

I don't have a neat and tidy wrap-up to this post. Life sends us ego checks like this one on the daily. I'm thinking if we Reflect, Respect, and Rejoice in what's good in life we will improve upon this letting go art/science/business day by day. If I think of more to add, and ways to perhaps resolve the dilemma, I'll post more.

Meanwhile, No more excuses, eh? We've got to do our best.