I freely admit that being Kind to strangers … and giving to others when I am tired (and forgiving those who reject or ridicule me … and openly protesting injustice) are propositions that are quite frightening, to say the least.

In fact, even though I have myself engaged these these very practices in thousands of encounters over the past ten years, it has only become marginally easier to do so.

And why is this the case?  Essentially, we humans are programmed to take care of ourselves first, and to find & then cling to any available excuse to justify the same.

Yes, the aforementioned practices do seem “dangerous”, and it is certainly reasonable to believe that it is safer to run & hide rather than extend ourselves to others in times of doubt or danger; or that it is better to destroy our enemies before they attempt to destroy us.

AND if you choose to adopt these still-popular (and still ineffective) means of “self respect”, there is something worth remembering while you do:

Running away from sharks will have them chase the pungent fear you trail behind you; that even spilling the blood of those enemies will only summon their hungry friends.

No, the only person who cannot ever be eaten by a shark

… is the one brave enough to gently hold on to its fin.
Consider this Truth earnestly … and have the courage to act accordingly.

[Please note this is no mere metaphor.   It is as true for every stranger you encounter and every one of your enemies as it is for every shark in the sea.]

Filed under: Practical Tips for Peace-full Living by Scaughdt