One of the points that we've been hearing a lot as we explore the words and thoughts of Lao Tzu is that we need to stay true to our internal nature. But what is a person's internal nature? One of the aspects of it is the gifts we are each bestowed with.
No matter who or what you are, you have gifts -- intrinsic skills and abilities -- that can enrich your own life as well as the community, in general. Some people are born with an innate athletic prowess. Others are natural nurturers. Some folks are blessed with the eye and insight for beautiful works of art. Still others -- people like me -- possess the gift for writing.
Even those born with severe physical deformities and/or developmental disabilities have intrinsic gifts to share too. It could be a "never say die" attitude or a bubbly smile that lights up every room.
When people become depressed and despondent, they tend to believe they have no worth and nothing to give the world. In essence, they hide their natural gifts, both from themselves and others. Unfortunately, some bury them so deep within their suffering and misery, that they never again see the light of day.
On the other hand, there are those who think far too much of their gifts. They parade them around like trophies and will gladly tell anyone within earshot how easily they can accomplish this or that with little genuine effort.
If any of us hope to get right with our internal nature, one of the first steps is to recognize the special gifts that have been bestowed upon us. We need to insure that we use these gifts to benefit the harmonious and creative flow of the universe. More importantly, it's not enough to rest on our laurels; a gift that is not developed to its fullest extent is a gift indeed wasted!
No matter who or what you are, you have gifts -- intrinsic skills and abilities -- that can enrich your own life as well as the community, in general. Some people are born with an innate athletic prowess. Others are natural nurturers. Some folks are blessed with the eye and insight for beautiful works of art. Still others -- people like me -- possess the gift for writing.
Even those born with severe physical deformities and/or developmental disabilities have intrinsic gifts to share too. It could be a "never say die" attitude or a bubbly smile that lights up every room.
When people become depressed and despondent, they tend to believe they have no worth and nothing to give the world. In essence, they hide their natural gifts, both from themselves and others. Unfortunately, some bury them so deep within their suffering and misery, that they never again see the light of day.
On the other hand, there are those who think far too much of their gifts. They parade them around like trophies and will gladly tell anyone within earshot how easily they can accomplish this or that with little genuine effort.
If any of us hope to get right with our internal nature, one of the first steps is to recognize the special gifts that have been bestowed upon us. We need to insure that we use these gifts to benefit the harmonious and creative flow of the universe. More importantly, it's not enough to rest on our laurels; a gift that is not developed to its fullest extent is a gift indeed wasted!
i have spurts of depression and low self esteem and it's hard during those times to think of anything good about myself. it has its root (or else it was made worse by) my fervent idea of perfection when i was younger... if i couldn't do something perfectly, i was a failure. which is ironic, because i could see the good in just about anyone else! i just couldn't/sometimes can't see it in myself. and when someone tells me something good about myself i feel uncomfortable too! it's slowly getting better with time, as i continually start to apply the same lens with which i view others to myself. since my "gifts" are less practical, yet i value independence, it's harder for me to see them.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I've seen in this virtual medium, you're an amazing young woman. You show insight and wisdom far beyond your years. Gifts like those aren't always as easy to see in ourselves as others, but let me tell you, you've got them in spades!!
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