I was outside walking my dear dog, Oreo (or should I say he was walking me). I came upon a elderly woman who was talking to herself and I had an epiphany: I could write a funny Tweet/Facebook post about how the delusional appear to be "normal" people who are using their blue tooth (or is the plural blue "teeth")? It would be humorous and clever, of course. And I could poke fun at myself because at times I also talk to myself. But, as I came closer to this woman, I could hear what she was saying, and it wasn't so funny.
The names she used have been changed to protect perhaps the not so innocent. But her rants went something like this: I am chasing Mary. I am chasing Mary Jones. I am going to beat the hell out of Mary Jones. I am chasing Bob. I am chasing Bob Miller. Bob Miller abused me. I am going beat the hell out of Bob Miller. Repeat. Rewind. Add a few more names and details. These statements were her mantras.
Did this distress me? No. Hearing this woman ranting threats brought me sadness, then contemplation. Haven't I previously had inner chants of victimization and even revenge going on in my mind? What helped me overcome these inner negative statements? Truth and Forgiveness.
The origin of many of my repetitive negative thoughts was deep repressed feelings from a lack of Truth around poor behaviors directed at me by others. The Truth sets one free from the delusion. But at first it is not comfortable. The evolving reality requires change. This change initially creates more rants, etc. Therapy, journaling, conversing with "holy company" can all help one cope with all of the repressed feelings regarding seeing the reality of the situation a new way. But this is only the beginning step.
After facing the reality of having received the bad behavior from the "other", the higher Truth is that I have been given the life I need to become the best expression of the Divine. And once I understand the truth I am required to set boundaries with others to keep my Self healthy. Then, I must remind myself that all beings do their best, even those who have mistreated me. All deserve forgiveness.
So I was given a gentle reminder: Live and embrace Truth. Stay aligned with Truth by setting healthy boundaries. Forgive all. My sanity depends on it!
And that's Penny's Two Cents.
