Seeking Approval
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Hi Reader, I recently came across another quote from the stoic Epictetus that struck a chord with me. "Never depend upon the admiration of others. There is no strength in it. Personal merit cannot be derived from an external source." And while that may be true, it’s not always easy to live by. We have all at some time sought validation from others. But the gains are impermanent. Even if we do benefit from a word of encouragement, if it’s not backed up by self belief, we begin to doubt the authenticity of the praise. The same principle applies when we try to help others. You may offer encouragement and counsel to someone for years. But until they believe in themselves, or understand the detriment of the path they are on, they will not instigate change. That doesn't mean we should stop trying to help others, quite the contrary. Just know there are limitations to your efforts. You are responsible for your actions. They are responsible for theirs. If you seek validation, seek it from yourself. You are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to. Replace doubt with an enquiring mind. Be patient with yourself, and others, and never stop moving forward. Focus on the light, always, Natalie Attenborough |
Focus on the Light
Hi Reader, I would like to start by apologising for a typo in last week's newsletter. I have edited the published article but for all those who read the original this is the correction. I wrote 'Affiliations un-checked can lead to disabilities.' What I meant was; 'Afflictions un-checked can lead to disabilities.' Ah the joy of autocorrect! That issue put right, this week I want to discuss alignment, and a technique I use to identify mental afflictions. A few years ago my daughter was having...
Hi Reader, I have recently learned a name for a concept that you may already be aware of. Shifting Baseline Syndrome The phrase was coined by the marine biologist Daniel Pauly and describes: A gradual change in the accepted norms for the condition of the natural environment. Successive generations of children and adults are simply unaware of past conditions, and so they accept what they know as the norm. For example, I remember needing to wash the dead insects off my car windscreen daily due...
Hi Reader, What is it you want out of life? Many of us have considered what we would do if we won the lottery. While the acquisition of financial wealth alone is not a measure of success, money is unquestionably essential in life at this time. And required to aid some of our aspirations. But do you consider the progression of your spiritual path to be a measure of success? A spiritual path relates to thoughts and beliefs, enabling personal growth and fostering a connection with something...