Copyright © 2009 Jennifer Howard PhD
When I heard President Barack Obama's speech the other day after he won the Nobel Peace Prize, I felt so moved! Although, my approach is not political, part of his speech felt so in line with what I feel so strongly about in the psychological and spiritual realms.
President Obama said, "We can't allow the differences between peoples to define the way that we see one another. And that's why we must pursue a new beginning among people of different faiths and races and religions, one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect."
THE ESSENCE OF HUMAN BEINGS
I could not agree more. The essence of every human being is precious and more similar then we sometimes would like to think. From some perspectives, it is simpler to look at all of the differences that we have with others. Now, I'm not naïve. I know that we are different in many ways, but staying focused on the differences only keeps us viewing others as scary, dangerous, superior or inferior to us in some way.
President Obama went on to say, "We can't accept a world in which more people are denied opportunity and dignity that all people yearn for: the ability to get an education and make a decent living, the security that you won't have to live in fear of disease or violence without hope for the fuure."
SPIRITUAL AND RELIGIOUS TEACHINGS
Many of the spiritual and religious teachings throughout the years urge us to treat others as our friends. The Bible tells us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. How come we forget this? If all the teachings say that we should open our hearts, why are we so willing to stand in our own self-righteousness and do the exact opposite? I urge everyone, myself included, to look in the mirror, be honest with ourselves and notice how much or how little we make people into visions of humanity we can't embrace.
Now, it would serve all of us well to experience and challenge our assumptions. I urge you to keep up the hard work and challenge yourself by asking the following questions: What is it that keeps us stuck in our own self-righteousness? Do we sometimes continue seeing others as so very different that we can't possibly understand that they have similar needs and feelings to us?
TRY THIS:
Keep a journal answering these questions and continue to challenge yourself everyday. You are worth it!
Dr. Jennifer Howard is a licensed psychotherapist, healer, author, & professional speaker with more than 20 years of experience. She has offices in LI, NY, & NYC, & has appeared on numerous national network TV shows. Receive a FREE MP3, "Tips on Goal Setting + Guided Meditation" and her FREE e-zine. Feel free to read articles, gain access to the online Virtual Meditation Room, and more. Visit http://www.drjenniferhoward.com/free-gift.asp
Source: http://www.submityourarticle.com
Permalink: http://www.submityourarticle.com/a.php?a=72925
Achievement Radio
When I heard President Barack Obama's speech the other day after he won the Nobel Peace Prize, I felt so moved! Although, my approach is not political, part of his speech felt so in line with what I feel so strongly about in the psychological and spiritual realms.
President Obama said, "We can't allow the differences between peoples to define the way that we see one another. And that's why we must pursue a new beginning among people of different faiths and races and religions, one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect."
THE ESSENCE OF HUMAN BEINGS
I could not agree more. The essence of every human being is precious and more similar then we sometimes would like to think. From some perspectives, it is simpler to look at all of the differences that we have with others. Now, I'm not naïve. I know that we are different in many ways, but staying focused on the differences only keeps us viewing others as scary, dangerous, superior or inferior to us in some way.
President Obama went on to say, "We can't accept a world in which more people are denied opportunity and dignity that all people yearn for: the ability to get an education and make a decent living, the security that you won't have to live in fear of disease or violence without hope for the fuure."
SPIRITUAL AND RELIGIOUS TEACHINGS
Many of the spiritual and religious teachings throughout the years urge us to treat others as our friends. The Bible tells us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. How come we forget this? If all the teachings say that we should open our hearts, why are we so willing to stand in our own self-righteousness and do the exact opposite? I urge everyone, myself included, to look in the mirror, be honest with ourselves and notice how much or how little we make people into visions of humanity we can't embrace.
Now, it would serve all of us well to experience and challenge our assumptions. I urge you to keep up the hard work and challenge yourself by asking the following questions: What is it that keeps us stuck in our own self-righteousness? Do we sometimes continue seeing others as so very different that we can't possibly understand that they have similar needs and feelings to us?
TRY THIS:
Keep a journal answering these questions and continue to challenge yourself everyday. You are worth it!
Dr. Jennifer Howard is a licensed psychotherapist, healer, author, & professional speaker with more than 20 years of experience. She has offices in LI, NY, & NYC, & has appeared on numerous national network TV shows. Receive a FREE MP3, "Tips on Goal Setting + Guided Meditation" and her FREE e-zine. Feel free to read articles, gain access to the online Virtual Meditation Room, and more. Visit http://www.drjenniferhoward.com/free-gift.asp
Source: http://www.submityourarticle.com
Permalink: http://www.submityourarticle.com/a.php?a=72925
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