Everyman's Journal 2011, #66 © 2011 Rev. David Seacord October 21 Recognizing our mistakes or blindnesses is the first step to growing beyond them; being willing to share and expose them makes our personal experience valuable to others and invaluable to ourselves. ________________________ The nature of truth is that it is self-obvious, when finally seen. I am a guest in a small community in Albuquerque at the moment. I leave in the morning and do my work all day, and return at night to connect a bit socially, and rest . A couple of days ago another guest arrived, a woman who I had met once briefly a year ago. I knew nothing about her. That was what I was blind to… because I blindly lived like I did, without recognizing my arrogance. Then last night I overheard her having a phone conversation, and in so doing discovered she was well-known to many of my other friends, and in fact had just come from personally taking care of an ill friend of mine in Florida for the last three months. I was shocked that I had been so unaware, and at the exposure of my blindness. I know that nobody else (who knew her) had told me much about her, but I also know I had been self-absorbed in my own world and hadn't asked. I had just made up a story in my head about her 'from appearances' and then lived like my story about her was true. I cleaned-up up at the next opportunity to speak with her, sharing the revelation of my blindness, and thanking her for her service to my friend. She generously forgave me, and we had a good first 'real' conversation. Once again, as is often the case, we teach best what we need to learn most (a quote from Richard Bach). I teach openness and non-judgement. Today, I am grateful to this great and good and loving and fully alive non-accidental universe for bringing me this lesson about actually BEING non-judgmental, again, 'right on time'. My peace this day to you all… Namaste, David