The above you may recognize as the “golden rule”. A hipper way to say it is simply “We over Me”. Every religious teaching I have found has this same teaching, although true to us “me” humans, everyone claims that their religion was first, or said it best, or really really means it….. And so it goes. Perhaps another war will settle it once and for all.
All of my articles flow from Spirit as I am incapable of this level of inspiration on my own. While I don’t sit in a trance and write, I do listen to what I am told to write down with only minor edits which becomes the substance of each article. This article is no exception.
In this time of exceptional fear-based energy, it is worthwhile to not only revisit the golden rule but to fully understand what it means. Taken as written and applied literally, the rule suggests that a large boisterous man that hits his buddies hard on the shoulder sees hoarding as a game to be won or lost and kills those that dishonor him should indeed treat others that same way because that is his view of life. He will, of course, never be threatened with his own life because he would never dishonor another based upon his rules of honor. The rest is simply a game and he is big enough to take what he desires. This is obviously an extreme example, but you get the point.
Our extreme human example is applying his rules and view of the world to everyone else and treating others in a manner consistent with his reality. He is treating people as he expects to be treated under his rules. But is he really applying the “golden rule”? This “eye for an eye” mentality misses the mark. It is the My way or the highway rule, not We over Me.
The rule, when properly understood and applied, requires empathy, respect, and understanding for others that do not view the world as you do. How would you have others treat you? You would want them to understand your fears, your customs, your values and treat you in a way that honors and respects all of who you are, right? That means you have to work to understand the fears, customs, and values of others and treat them in a way that honors and respects all of who they are. Get it? You need to stand in the shoes of others and then apply the rule to your actions toward those you interact with as if you are them. That changes things drastically! It’s the “We” rule, not the “Me” rule.
Let’s apply this to a practical situation. You are a person that is healthy and careful not to spread germs. You follow all the guidelines and would be personally hurt if you knowingly infected anyone with a virus or disease. You walk into a store and are confronted with an individual that is over the top scared of catching whatever you might be carrying to the point of being quite offensive and rude. That person actually suggests that you are selfishly infecting others by your presence.
If you apply the extreme rule, you would politely school this person on the appropriate behavior to not spread germs and let that person know you follow those guidelines. You would explain your view of the world and your rules without acknowledging the other person’s point of view. In effect, you are ignoring this person’s “over the top” fear of infection and this person’s right to hold a view contrary to yours.
Now apply the rule that requires empathy, respect, and understanding. Put yourself in this person’s shoes and try to understand her fear. Rational or not, the fear is real and drives this person’s words and actions. Perhaps you apologize for making her uncomfortable and offer to remove yourself from the situation. Let that person know you respect and understand their position. You don’t have to agree with them, but you can empathize with their fear given their perspective and take steps to relieve their anxiety by changing your behavior or withdrawing from the situation. In effect, you are sending that person Love and recognizing that we are all part of the One.
To properly apply the “rule” requires that we not judge. Don’t judge others or ourselves. Judgment will throw us off the mark every time. Empathy, respect, and understanding through unconditional Love is the only way to recognize who we truly are as Holy Children of the Universe. It will guide us through these fear-based energies and unite humanity as a whole.
Perhaps by creating a common enemy in the form of a virus, we have given ourselves the tool to come together as one and stop the wars that divide us.
Now we are doing yoga….
Namaste
Blair is the co-owner of Yoga Daily in Mt. Pleasant, SC. He is a certified yoga instructor, recovering lawyer, and a spiritual student. The content of this blog is what Blair considers to be universal truths that span all dogma and religion and it is offered to you in Love and Light. Check out The Daily Yogi for additional blog entries. You can contact Blair at blair@yogadailymountpleasant.com. Yoga is but one path to knowing that we are all One. Please take what resonates with you and leave the rest without judgment or offense.