Inside Out

Everything on the outside is a reflection of what is on the inside. Everything we see in the world is a reflection of ourself.

If people are angry or nasty to us, chances are we are this way. If people are rude or selfish, we are this way. If people cheat us, hurt us, scam us, manipulate us, more than likely, we are (or have been) this way. On the positive side, if people are happy and helpful and patient and understanding, we are this way, have been this way -- or are heading this way.

Karma means what goes around, comes around. So, what we put out into the world, comes back to us many times over. Some believe in past lives and that the karma can spill over into other lifetimes. Perhaps, the people who are helping or hurting you in this lifetime, played a significant role in being a victim or helper of yours in the past.

Energy is like a boomerang which always faithfully returns to the one who tossed it.

So in seeing the outside world, we notice what is important for our own self-growth. Then the choice -- do we acknowledge and take responsibility and make the change or do we blame the world and act as a spoiled child and do nothing?

So the real question is -- do we really want to change? Some parts of us do, some parts don't. The part that knows we are all connected and we all have a place to serve in this world, that part thrives on change and growth. However, the part of ourselves -- the "selfish separate self" wants to remain the same. That part -- also known as the "ego" has its own agenda and doesn't understand or acknowledge Universal Consciousness.

The ego will do everything it can to hold us back. The ego will stop us from creating our lives in a wonderful way. The ego wants us to see the world in a way that only serves its needs, desires, expectations. The ego cares only about itself.

So to clarify, the ego is the part of us that: cuts lines, is rude to others, curses at others, cuts people off while driving, lies, cheats, steals, hurts. The ego has fights with others, feels it knows better, loves to argue, convince, thinks others should "kiss ass." The ego wants possessions, cars, money, clothes, prestige, position, power. The list goes on and on, but you get the point and even possibly, your ego may be a little disturbed by now.

The Higher Self, on the other hand, is the part of us that is connected to the Universe, God, Source -- the Divine -- whatever you envision as that of all-knowing, all-loving, all-connectedness. The Higher Self is driven by serving others, helping humankind, love, compassion, tolerance, oneness. The Higher Self has no desires other than to find the joy in serving the world.

So we walk down the street and what do we see? We may see the ego-driven aspects of ourselves and it's always so easy to resonate with that darkness, to get distracted by the dramas, to have the fights with strangers to vent the frustrations and angers of our lives. On the other hand, why not look for the mirrors of our true Higher Self? Why not look for the lovingkindness in others, the compassion, the humanity, the opportunity to help at every corner?

If we all began seeing the world in that way -- right here / right now -- wow!!! What a fantastic change would take place overnight! Think about it the next time someone gets your "ego" upset...smile back, send them love -- probably they have had a disturbing day. Let go of your selfishness and be compassionate and helpful to others and it will only make your life happier, too.

You will see that the more you help others in life, the more you give to the world, the more you smile -- the more everyone will return the favor. It is guaranteed that the more you let go of the fighting, the anger, the ego-driven practices, the more others will stop doing the same to you. You will see that this really and truly works and it brings with it a promise of totally and wonderfully transforming and uplifting your life.