As much as I unconditionally LOVE dogs, “but I’m just a dog” is not an excuse … It wasn’t an excuse when my dog Billy would get pissed at me and strew garbage all over the house because I went to my Evidence class and didn’t take him with me, and it wasn’t an excuse when he destroyed some of my favorite books for choosing to snuggle with a girlfriend instead of him. (You were an incredible Friend, Billy … I still miss you, buddy.)

Similarly, as much as I unconditionally LOVE other people, “But I’m only human” isn’t an excuse either.

Like dogs, we homosapiens are almost always fully aware of what is Right & what is “wrong” — We are aware which of our choices are done primarily for our own benefit, and which are done for others; and we are aware which actions are likely to bring others pain, and which are likely to bring Peace. And while often difficult, it is always possible to pause in any given moment and choose an option that is both selfless and Peace-full.

Yes, we will of course continue to make mistakes in this regard, AND YET “I’m only human” will not be an excuse when we do.

For whenever we behave selfishly, as humans, we don’t need to pass the blame or make excuses for our poor behaviors … Instead, we are allowed to accept responsibility for our slips into narcissism, and then atone with acts of radical generosity. And whenever we harm others, as humans, we don’t need to rationalize or justify or defend either our actions or ourselves … Instead, we are allowed to accept responsibility for our (hopefully unintentional) acts of callousness or cruelty, apologize wholeheartedly to those we have harmed, and then atone for those misdeeds with acts of radical Kindness.

In closing, my Friends, remember that none of you are “only human” …
Feel free to remember, and then re-member, that you are HUMAN instead!

“Until we extend our circle of compassion to include all living things, humankind will not know peace.” ~ inspired by Albert Schweitzer

 

Filed under: Wisdoms from the Journey by Scaughdt