Recently, I posted on twitter and on my Facebook page a quote from spiritual teacher, author and philosopher, Vernon Howard (1918-1992). I receive his quotes daily from the New Life Foundation, which he founded in 1979. It said:
“To see oneself as either good or bad is to not yet know oneself, for real self-knowing is above these opposite labels.”
I received, in response, numerous comments and interpretations. Two of them were:
From Anja (quoting 13th Century mystic/poet Rumi): “Out beyond ideas of right-doing and wrong-doing there is a field. I’ll meet you there.
Judy wrote (quoting Irish author/therapist/speaker Owen Fitzpatrick):There is a fundamental truth that you are going to be with only one person your entire life. Like it or not, that person is going to be with you 24-7 in every single moment you exist. That person is going to determine how successful or effective you become. The relationship you create with that person is extremely important. That person is yourself.”
Both of those interpretations provided much to think about (which, as a reader of Vernon Howard, I believe is exactly what he wants). Rumi’s quote seems to tell us that it’s not even a matter of in-between, but outside of the “good/bad” dichotomy (either/or) altogether.
Fitzpatrick’s quote, while on one hand, discussing personal responsibility, also seems to say that while we need to be aware of our “good” and “bad” aspects, it’s certainly best not to define ourselves that way in the entirety.
And, I’m sure there’s much more to Howard’s quote. Your thoughts?
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Bob so true as Stephen Covey taught we need to be fully independent first as you say “The relationship you create with that person is extremely important. That person is yourself.” So we need to develop ourselves from the inside out with a character base that can then become interdependent -and as Covey said “Life is, by nature, highly interdependent. To try to achieve maximum effectiveness through independence is like trying to play tennis with a golf club — the tool is not suited to the reality.”
Great post Bob, Colin
Bob – If you like Vernon Howard, you will love Guy Fiinley. My friend, Guy Finley, studied under Vernon Howard for many years. I attend his 5-day retreat in June (southern Oregon) nearly every year. For more on Guy, go to: http://www.CelebrateLove.com/guyfinley3.htm
Enjoy!
I agree we have to get ourselves out of the way.
I sort of like what Jesus said, “Love your neighbor, AS YOURSELF!” A wonderful thing happens when we accept God’s forgiveness – we have to forgive ourselves and then we are free to love ourselves and love our neighbor.
I also like what the fictitious character Dicky Fox in Jerry McGuire said, “Unless you love everybody, you can’t sell anybody.”
Dave
I’ve had a Beatles song lyrics in my head all morning and it certainly applies here. It’s from a song titles (I think) “The End”; And in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make.