Robin Newman(504) Robin Newman Robin J Log in to become a member of Robin Newman's Fan Club!
A passage I once read went something like this "If you are faced with a problem hold out your left hand and ask what would Jesus say then hold out your right hand and ask what Buddha would do?" During a particularly intense meeting I tried this technique and my conclusion was Jesus would say "You all need to get a life" and Buddha would add "You are all coming back as cockroaches in your next life." Okay so it didn't go too well and maybe my emotions tainted the process however I decided in was worth another shot. The next time someone pushed my buttons I asked myself what would Mother Teresa do? My conclusion was she would look this person in the eye and say "I will pray for you" then promptly get back to doing the business at hand.
I wondered how this would go over in my dysfunctional pretend perfect family. I imagined my sister cutting me off in a conversation because I dared to think she might want to hear about my life for a change. I held out my left hand and asked "What would Jesus say?" It probably would not be "I will turn you into a pillar of salt or a thousand loci will plague your home". I am not a Bible buff so I am winging it here. But I can imagine Buddha going "It is only in silence man will hear his true voice." My sister at this point however would be likely to assume I was either medicated or needed to be medicated.
Maybe I need different voices. I could try Yoda "You are listening to me my sister not' or at a meeting "All silly people who know nothing you are." Again, maybe not that productive but closer to what I actually want to say. I am not entirely sure though Jesus or Buddha would want a mini me them and I am pretty certain they would say "Speak your truth with respect and honor for the other person". You cannot go to far wrong with those words of advice.
This is funny but your point is well made. Love, respect, and others centered for a change. At least this is what I got from this piece. Blessings to you! Teresa
"Speak your truth with respect and honor for the other person". This one line sums it up all, and life is just about speaking the truth and respecting others. Jesus or Buddha, it's all about how we listen to our inner voice and follow it's command. That's where humility comes from. Thank you.
Well done. And I agree also that 'Speak your truth with respect and honor for the other person,' really sums it up. Your sister may be a lost cause however.
I got your message, and it's a good one. "Speak your truth with respect and honour for the other person." Whenever I'm faced with a problem, I choose to do whatever is hardest, because it's usually the 'right' thing to do. I have to say I enjoyed the subtle humour throughout your article Robin. I love the phrase, "dysfunctional pretend perfect family". We could all use that I suppose, at some time or another. Great writing.
I find a step back before a step forward works for me. Although I am a work in progress! Thanks for the compliment I will put it in my pocket and pull it out when I start to doubt myself!
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