If you judge (a thing/event/person) to be “good,” then there must naturally be a “bad.” The path to inner peace is one of non-judgment.
The Case for Neutrality (and Acceptance)
competition
Frivolity
We have a natural tendency to be preoccupied with things and competition (Mine is better than yours, I make more than you, I’m good at this, what are you good at?)
But there comes a time when this comes to a natural conclusion (perhaps a little after adulthood), and can be replaced by something deeper: Finding your essence identity (spiritual dimension).
The material and form identities still exist, but they should no longer give you a sense of who you are.
Lighten up. It’s just form. You never cease being you and there’s no need to get excited or stressed about the forms that happen in your life.
(Eckhart Tolle)
Not Better, Just Different
My husband, daughters and I frequent a gelato place called Dolce Vita. It’s owned and operated by an Italian immigrant and his wife. They sell authentic Italian groceries, and prepare food from scratch, including the BEST gelato you could ever eat. Walter is the quintessential snob. He’s not afraid to be snooty with you and if you complain too much, you’ll be kicked out of his shop for life.
He mocks some of his troublesome American customers:
“Hm, what does this pear gelato taste like?”
In his thick Italian accent, he answers snidely, “Vaneeela!”
Another stupid question: “Which one is better, the Nutella gelato or the pineapple gelato?”
“It’s no better, just diffeh-rant!”
This reminded me of so many times I hear parents compare their children. I was compared a lot, to my siblings. It never made any of us feel good.
How can you compare human beings? It’s like comparing Nutella to pineapple gelato!
We do this alot, don’t we? We compare ourselves to others. How’s this working for you? You’re comparing an apple to oranges! Suggestion: stop comparing. If you’re going to be in competition so that you can improve, compete against yourself. Be better tomorrow than you were today. Simple.
Stop the madness and be joyful.
Kismet 