Turning One's Cheek, Mindfully

Living one's life Mindfully brings unexpected lessons, and also enforces a slower pace in life. Multi-tasking, having never been effective, is impossible. To truly give one's attentions to the present moment, one cannot divide one's efforts. One thing at a time.

It also brings to bear the choices we make unconsciously, when we react to situations un-mindfully.

Not long ago, I posted my personal observations about my own sin of Wrath, and incurred the wrath of another for MY misdeeds. Mindfully, I took that person's criticisms to heart, determined to view her hurtful comments as lessons, and searched diligently within myself to find where I had committed the wrongs she accused of me.

In my lifetime, I cannot recall once having committed an unkindness, unless provoked. I have in the past (to my shame) been hurtful toward those who've directed their taunts or misdeeds to those less fortunate than themselves. Now, I understand that even this is wrong. I repent.

I found her accusations unfounded, but still decided that my response would be that directed by Christ, to turn the other cheek. I did, and was slapped, again. Obviously, this is God's training in patience, as well as loving kindness.

It cannot be, however, training in becoming a victim. No one is expected to be a doormat to another. As God instructs us: "Love him as yourself," (not more than yourself). I don't know what private hell this person is living with, but I did not cause it, despite her projections upon me of the wrongs done to her. I pray for her relief.

At the same time, I've elected to remove her from proximity. Was that wrong? If one swats a buzzing fly, is that wrong? It's reactive, but is it Mindfully reactive? I don't know.

Without my attempt to live Mindfully, I might not have even thought about the sin of Wrath to begin with, and probably would've ignored my attacker, as well. Am I a better person for having noticed?

So many questions come up when one pays attention. Maybe answers are not as important as recognizing the questions? Again, I don't know.

Perhaps it is our search for answers to the unknown that draws us down our path to Enlightenment. Or maybe we've always been on the path, but living Mindfully allows us to pick our steps, rather than fall from one rock to the next?

Perhaps the questions in our hearts are intended to draw us to one another, to find the answers together. Feel free to share your answers by commenting, but please -- do not attack. I am learning, just like you.

Whatever comes from all this unknowing, I wish All to be well, safe, and ever Mindful of the God that dwells in our hearts and gives them the answers in that small, still voice.

Shalom. Namaste.