The Loving Kindness exercise, repeating of mantras, was difficult at first. I am still hard at work trying to calm my busy mind, so to repeat the same four phrases was very difficult. After about five minutes, I was able to calm my mind enough to repeat them, and within 10 minutes I could say them with spirit. I understand more now how I need to focus on my quick, negative temperament, as well as judgment of others. Some of the focus can be placed on finding ways to help others in this area, instead of being quick to think they do not wish to help themselves as a way of laziness. Maybe they have personal roadblocks they need help getting through, and I need to work on patience to assist them.
I believe in the integral assessment I struggle with the worldly aspect. I have seen so many people playing the victim, being ignorant, or raising their children to be entitled (by always giving their children everything, and not making them be responsible which helps them understand the importance of what they are receiving). Much of this is judgmental, I am sure, but some of it I have seen first-hand. I have chosen to not have children because of the world issues we have created. I always hear that we should leave our children with a great planet (ie, recycle), but we should also think about leaving great children to the planet. I have many people tell me I need to have children to understand and be able to make that impact I wish to see, but I think I can begin with my nieces and nephews. I could volunteer at a local club for youth and make an impact on children who understand the meaning of “valuables”.
I want to make a disclosure statement, as I know some of the things I have written here may be offensive. By no means do I see all children and parents as bad, wrong, disrespectful, etc. It is not my intention to upset anyone, and I see many parents doing a wonderful job in the raising of their children. Also being in the military is another very big reason for not having children, as I would not be able to handle being away from them for so long!
Warm Regards,
Jenn
Greetings Jenn, I liked you post. Really heartfelt. I completely agree when you talk about the people who give their children everything and not making them be responsible for much of anything. That does annoy me, but I have to find a place of tolerance for those people. And not allow myself to become angry at other peoples motivations that I may feel are not appropriate.
ReplyDeleteGail Rudolph
Jenn,
ReplyDeleteI respect your opinion regarding having kids and leaving them this planet to inherit from us. Before I had children, I too struggled with the idea of leaving them on this earth in the state that it's in. Every time I watch the news, there is a story about a child getting kidnapped, killed, or abused. That makes me sick to my stomach because children should be cherished and taken care of. There is so much bullying, racism, and discrimination that some children are already at a disadvantage because of their gender, religion, or disabilities. I hate the thought of my children being mistreated because of something they have no control over.
Dont let anyone make you feel guilty for not having children. Volunteering with children and taking care of your family is just as good as being a parent.
Keep on doing what you're doing.
Hanan
I admire your honesty about how you feel seeing the way some parents can be with their children. It is hard to be upfront about those types of things. I understand what you mean and I was thinking exactly what you had said. I thought well maybe you should have children, you can raise them to be future leaders, why not? Again I understand your choice though, the planet, the environment, people... why bring a child into this world. Sometimes our decisions now can change based on something that happens in the future. Whatever you choice is, I do find understanding in it.
ReplyDelete