by Jason Ray France

Created on: August 05, 2009

Do me a favor and imagine that you're stopped at an intersection. You and another person begin to go, and there is a near collision. What do you feel? Now imagine the same scenario, but when you look over at them, you realize that you know the person. Do your feelings change? Do you maybe smile at the person instead of frowning or giving a dirty look? What is the difference? It's because you have a relationship with this person. It's Important to remember that you're in a relationship with the entire human race. We are all connected, and the choices that we make affect each other.

Sometimes we allow others to influence our thinking and our actions. We may be afraid to be all of who we are, because others may not like us or accept us. A quote by Marianne Williamson, which Mandela used, and is often attributed to him, reads: "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?" Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

I once had a Passenger in my car for a fairly long trip. It was a warm day, but I had the air conditioning on low, because I like it high, and I have a tendency to freeze my wife out when she's in the car with me. I asked my passenger if she would like it turned up higher and she said, "Yes, I've been sweating. I like it up really high!" Relieved, I explained that I like it the same way and why I had it on low. I told her just to let me know if it gets too cold or to feel free to adjust it herself. She agreed and we traveled on.

Before too long, we were at sub-arctic temperatures in that car. There were literally icicles forming on our nostrils. I knew she was cold, because she had a sweater on, and she was still bundling herself up with her arms. Do you think she asked me to turn it down or did it herself? No. Do you think I turned it down or asked her if she would like me to? No. We both froze knowing

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>