ALLOWING OTHERS TO WALK THEIR PATHS…

Watching people I care about traverse a path littered with stumbling blocks is immensely painful. I instinctively want to guide them toward a safer track and share with them the wisdom I have acquired through experience. But I know that ALL human beings have the right to carve their own paths without being unduly influenced by outside interference. To deny them that right is to deny them enlightenment, as true insight cannot be conveyed in lectures. Rather, they MUST earn independence AND illumination by making decisions and reflecting upon the consequences of each choice. In allowing others to walk their paths freely, I honor their right to express their humanity in whatever way they see fit. Though I may not agree with or identify with their choices, I understand that they MUST learn in their own way and @ their own pace. Though it is VERY difficult and I CANNOT intervene when watching them make their way slowly and painfully down a difficult path, I try to empathize with their need to grow independently and make their own way in the world. The temptation to direct their path is a creature of many origins, and I’ve learned a LONG time ago that the overactive ego that tries to convince me that mine is the one true path is NOT what life is all about. And my light burns a little different from everyone else on this planet…so theirs should as well…