As I work on myself more and more, I realize many of the things I’ve been guilty of that society has convinced us are normal but are actually detrimental to self-esteem, compassion, integrity, and growth. For instance, many people seem to think it’s funny to ridicule others who make assumptions based on a lack of understanding and knowledge. I have even seen some who claim to be awakened do this on a regular basis. We’ve been so programmed to believe that this is a normal and acceptable form of behavior that we never stop to listen to the words coming out of our own mouths. (Of course, this is not directed at any particular person. It’s simply an observation I’ve made over the years.)

  How can we expect someone to properly understand anything about life or ourselves if we never take the time to explain? You don’t have to preach, just explain. Instead of laughing at them as they try to understand on their own, perhaps we should offer them the information they need. If we can’t put ourselves in someone else’s place, then how can we call ourselves awakened? If we don’t consider the powerful effect of our thoughts, emotions, and words (spoken or written), how can we expect to have any balance in our lives and relationships? Ridicule is not humor, and coldness exists on a broad spectrum.

  I want to openly apologize for any hurt I’ve inflicted in this way, for all the times I said or did something I didn’t think was inconsiderate, and for the times I might have rolled my eyes or mumbled words under my breath. I’m far from perfect; if I were, there wouldn’t be much left to learn here. My teacher has explained that the point was never for humans to be perfect. It was simply for us to become better than we were – one day at a time, one step at a time, one choice at a time, one thought at a time. Some lessons are hard, but the results are always worth it.

• E.W.