I think these two truths are among the most difficult to internalize and practice in our lives, but they have a huge impact. They influence our spirituality, our anxiety and depression and overall emotional health, and even have a physical effect on our bodies.
The Need for Control
The first is letting go of the need to control people, things, and circumstances. None of us think of ourselves as wanting to control things, but it shows up in even small ways. When a post online upsets us to the point we feel we need to correct the other person, we are trying to control the way they think. This is a natural human characteristic.
The book Change Your Thoughts–Change Your Life by Wayne Dyer simplifies the Tao into more modern terms, and a main message is that we do not have the right to control others. I am not talking about establishing boundaries as a parent, or keeping order in a classroom. Those things are important. But even in situations where we have rightful authority, we have to think through how we are using it.
Forgiveness
The second truth is forgiveness. It goes beyond basic kindness, because it involves people who have somehow brought harm into our lives. It is one of the most difficult actions to do, and it can bring us the greatest peace.
This is the opposite of our natural inclination toward revenge, retaliation, self-preservation.
Forgiving does not mean you have to put yourself back in a harmful situation. It means letting go of bitter feelings towards another that are harming you so much more than that other person.
First, decide someone in your life who brings out those negative feelings in you. While keeping this person in mind, go on a journey of discovery about this principle. In the end you will find this is the greatest kindness you can do for yourself.
This article on inspirationfeed.com reviews ten books that can help you with forgiveness. Choose which ones to add to your Book List.
Journal: As you read these books, take notes on things that stand out to you and what you learn. Write your thoughts on things you need to let go control over and anything you need to forgive yourself or someone else for.