Why Do We Not See Certain Things?
Dear friends,
Last week we talked about intention vs. action. If you do your best and make an honest mistake, there is no karma involved. But it is actually a bit more subtle than that (…not all that surprising, right? :-) )
If you do not see something and make an error in hurting someone else, for example, the question becomes one of why you did not see what was right there in front of you. If you walk into a glassware shop with your eyes closed and bump into a counter resulting in breakage, you most certainly do bear responsibility even though it was an accident… of a kind.
There are always things in our lives we do not see. I myself spent too many years focused on tasks, and did not take others' feelings into account sufficiently. It is not my nature ever to try to hurt someone, but closing my eyes and ignoring those around me is not at all right or justifiable. No bad intention, but irresponsibility just the same.
If there is something you really cannot see, that's just the way it is. People who are red/green color blind cannot "try harder," "do better," or "change themselves." But we too often think that our less-than-optimal qualities are "just how we are."
Some things surely are that way. It can take many lifetimes to make even some progress on a major life issue. But intention and effort matters. Are we really trying to see ourselves clearly? Do we bristle and object if someone points out an error in attitude we may have, or are we grateful to be reminded? Are we committed to growth and change or does it most often feel a bit too hard, not worth it, or "not our problem?" Are we casually and without due consideration closing our eyes as we enter the glassware shop?
We are all flawed. Acting as though we are not is not really fooling anyone—except perhaps ourselves. Those who have no flaws are not on this planet. Our goal must be to make progress. One foot in front of the other guarantees progress. Speed is less important than steady directional improvement.
May we accept who we are and thus become more and more able both to see the learning and growth path laid out for us. And then to develop the courage to walk it. We will certainly walk it eventually, so why not start now, without resistance? Let us traverse it with eyes wide open, a joyful heart, and gratitude.
Blessings,
David G., manager
For the staff at East West