LEARNING TO WALK FREE IN OUR OWN HEAD

We are told in order "to heal relationships, we have to move closer to people we do not like...." (Eknath Easwaran, "Words to Live By," May 1.)

We are told, "If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town." (The Bible, Matthew 10:14).

I thought for so long that those two meant the exact opposite of each other until I saw the tie that binds them in the words "shake the dust off your feet."  In other words, we pick up no resentment, nor grounds on which our ego can (at 3:00 AM) begin to build a resentment. 

In moving closer, when we are met with positive, just a tish of positive, we respond positively. In moving on, we take not even a dust bunny with which to build a resentment later...nor do we leave any behind for others to misuse. It has been said that it is better to give a resentment than to get one...it is not. The resentment we give will live within us long after it has ceased to concern the one to whom we gifted it. 

In moving closer, we don't become a doormat or obey others without thought. That is simply self, determining how to curry favor to avoid unknown but feared contact. We learn how to not react in kind...which started with our accepting that God can and will intervene in our lives in our behalf. Then we do no harm, cause no hurt to others, thus ensuring that we ourselves cause no hurt to ourselves. 

This is the way we learn discernment...when to hold 'em, when to fold 'em. There are those who will never welcome us or be welcomed by us. To move on is to leave without getting or giving a resentment. 

Do no harm...then we can walk free in our own head, the only place true freedom can be found.

Thank You.