Analyze your actions. If you do what you do in order to impress others, then you are doing it based on an inferiority complex. As Eckhart Tolle stated in The Power of Now, once we realize who we really are we come to see that we are neither inferior nor superior to anyone. The Spirit which dwells within us is the same, so in essence we are all the same, no matter how different we might appear. If you have a craft which you are dedicated to, you might notice that ideas are often blocked by wondering too much about what people will think about what you create, whether people will like it, or whether it’s not as good as some other similar works which have been released by others. Comparing ourselves to others is like comparing the fish to the monkey and saying it is stupid because it cannot climb a tree. Not only does this prevent production of whatever it is we want to work on, but it also further intensifies the inferiority complex we are already suffering from. Many of us want to impress others because we want to fit in, we want to be part of a group. We are not satisfied with who we are, we do not love ourselves, and for this reason we look for satisfaction in other people.
A lot of people are horrified by the prospect of ever being alone, not realizing that solitude can be one of the biggest blessings we can receive, as long as we can see it in such a way. We are all born alone and we will die alone. We cannot take anyone with us when we die. So why do we waste what little time we have on this planet attempting to fit in and to impress others? Have you ever thought that maybe you have something completely unique which only you can share with the world? How can you let this inner light shine if you are always afraid to be your true self and stand out? An inferiority complex is something that can greatly impact a person’s entire life and render them unable to do anything they wish to do. People spend decades stuck in shame because they fail to live up to the expectations of their peers or parents. And most recently, in the new technological world of social media, everyone is trying to impress everyone else. The problem is that we now have a platform where people can shock others and be seen without possessing any real talent whatsoever. There’s even been several incidents of people broadcasting violence and death on Facebook Live. We have become so deranged that people are willing to completely throw away their integrity and dignity in order to get their fifteen minutes of internet fame. Also, why is it that people love to stand out by doing things that are wrong? Why don’t we see more news about good deeds being done, why are we not so impressed by someone giving food to a homeless person? We want to stand out but only at certain things which society makes it cool to stand out at. When it comes to integrity, to truth, to true friendship, to saying what needs to be said even though it might offend others, none of us want to stand out. We are afraid of being ridiculed and even persecuted, and this fear is somewhat based on reality.
The people who have tried to preach truth to the masses never got the respect and attention they deserved during their time on Earth. Still, they understood that the truth is more important than any individual life, including their own, and they were prepared to put themselves aside and to immerse themselves in this truth and its meaning. The truth became a part of them until the point when they could no longer help but to live and teach the truth. People are often bothered by truth since it goes against their vices, against their various ways of cheating and scamming, against their vulgar forms of entertainment, of to themselves, of keeping themselves distracted. What is essential is that if someone attempts to teach the truth, he or she should not only speak it, but should live it as well. They must lead by example so that they will not be labelled as hypocrites. Such a person has a greater chance of influencing others than someone who talks and talks but shows no positive results, no positive changes. Always be humble, and don’t exclude yourself from your teachings. Don’t pretend to be superior to anyone because you are now living in a healthier or more spiritual way. This only shows that you have yet to transcend your ego. Listen attentively to everyone you meet, don’t discard anyone as inferior. Everyone has something to teach us, and even an immature statement might make us reflect on why such a person thinks the way they do and might help us to understand and relate to them better.
We can learn from all situations in life, and we must strive to do so. We must have an open mind and heart and be willing to humble ourselves. We must be bold and exercise our willpower as we put our actions in God’s hands. We need to be courageous and speak the truth no matter what the consequences might be. We need to trust that whatever the outcome is, it will be for the better. We need not worry about whether people will like what we do, or whether they will accept us. If we do what we do with the right intention and we trust in the outcome, then whatever happens will be meant to happen. If we lose friends because of staying true then so be it. Remember Buddha’s words, “It is better to be alone that with those who hinder your progress.” Focus on progress, true progress, not materialistic and selfish progress which gives a false illusion of being better off than others, a false illusion of security. Instead, seek to progress in the way you interact with your family and friends, seek to progress in how honest and true you are to yourself, seek to progress in any art or passion you might have, pursue progress in attaining control over your mind and your emotions, progress in becoming happier and more fulfilled, in realizing that you are a manifestation of the Divine Spirit, and that you are not inferior to anyone, no matter what you may have done in the past or what situation you may find yourself in now. All that happens on Earth is a learning lesson which is meant to guide us closer to the truth. In this way, nothing is truly good or bad, and everything is necessary.
Our paths can be straightened out no matter how far along in our journey we are. God creates order out of chaos and opens doors where there were none before. All we need to do is analyze our actions, make the necessary changes, and then trust. Then we can be ourselves without fear, then we can serve the purpose we were meant to, to be a light and a reminder of our true spiritual heritage to all people we may encounter in our lives, whether by speech or by silent example. We are influencing people at all times, even in memory, even by actions which we performed many years ago. Don’t put yourself down because of past mistakes, this will only drain your energy, your will, the power which you absolutely need in order to make the necessary changes now. Instead of beating yourself up, accept that what is done is done, and the only thing left to focus on now is the present, living righteously in the present moment, during every present moment of our lives. If we remain conscious and aware at all times of the spirit we are, we will always realize how silly and pointless it is to try to impress others. We will lose the fear of speaking out, and we will become sincerely inspired speakers spreading God’s words and the divine way to the world. Amen.
~ REBEL SPIRIT ~
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rebel eye 