6-20-15 Post: What is the most important thing in life?

Question/comment: Many people have given me advise on what is important in life. What do you think is the most important thing in life?

Response: I think that we each have to decide for ourselves. If you listen very carefully to your inner knowing, it will guide you. When you hear others state their opinions of what is important in life, see if it rings true for you. I think that we each enter this life with at least a general idea of what we intend to learn, what we want to give to others and a direction we plan to take. Within that framework, I think we have great latitude to find our own personal way.

I have found love of self and others, to be the most lasting and over riding influence in life. I have also seen that hurt, trauma and self-punishment are the greatest distractions from a life path. They detract from people’s ability to focus on their life purpose and plan. Love does seem to help heal the wounds and allow people to find their way back to their path. For some this healing process takes longer than for others.

It is very important that you take good care of yourself in every possible way. Provide opportunities for yourself to listen to your deepest being as often as possible; listen to your deepest self constantly if you can. Treat yourself and others with love and respect; notice that you come first. You can only give what you have. If you do not have love, respect, gentleness for yourself, how can you have them to give to others? 

I think it is very important to consider what we are. Thoughts, feelings, beliefs, actions all come and go. The body we use to navigate in the world comes and goes and is in constant flux. What is permanent? The personality changes, consciousness changes. What is permanent is the observer of the changes. 

If we can identify with the unchanging observer, it is easier to make any needed changes in worldly circumstances, in personality, in thoughts, in feelings, and in beliefs. It is easier to see clearly, hear clearly and follow our path when we rest in our most core self. Never deny yourself love, sustenance or security; also give these to others as appropriate.