In a previous post, I wrote about reacting from ego rather than responding from calm abiding and clear seeing. An everyday example of ego’s reactivity is what we label as “road rage.” It is safe to say that everyone has either projected their rage onto others while driving a vehicle or been raged upon by another driver. This commonplace event presents a powerful teaching moment illustrating who we are. As a collective species, we believe in war not peace. Thus, humanity’s conditioned reaction to rage is fight or flight rather than befriending the enraged person and, subsequently, de-escalating the violent reaction.
The question we each get to ask ourselves is this — what will it take for me to become a vessel that lights the way to non-violence?
Psychology trains therapists to not react personally when a chronically stressed client verbally lashes out or shuts down. As Safety Ambassadors, therapists understand the symptoms being expressed are also accompanied by feelings of threat and defensiveness. In contrast, they recognize that responding with calm caring behaviour encourages a sense of safety and respect. Deep within, we all know this to be true, and now is the time to practice that truth.
Loving kindness or non-violence is the middle ground between avoiding or confronting enraged behaviour. It takes courage to extend loving kindness in the face of verbal violence. May we become these vessels of light.
Vessels of Light
As energy vessels, we gracefully channel
universal light into existence.
There was a time when we did not know this,
when such a delicate purpose evaded us.
Back then, the stuff of purpose echoed
a voice of peace within, between, among, and
beyond. Words, without felt experience,
provided a glimpse of what was yet to become.
Seeking true purpose requires great patience.
First received is the light of understanding
to brighten the way. Only then, can right
response direct amplified energy efficiently.
Not on our time, but through and for all time.
For more yoga actions, asana sequences, and poetry, click here. Namaste.
