[Daily OM]: Our view of the universe is largely
determined by our experiences. It is when we are caught off guard by the
spontaneity of existence that we are most apt to respond authentically,
even when our feelings do not correspond with those of the multitude.
Events that arouse strong emotions with us or are surprising in nature
can be disquieting, for it often is in their aftermath that we discover
how profoundly our histories have shaped us. The differences that divide
us from our peers are highlighted in our reactions when these diverge
from the mainstream, and this can be highly upsetting because it forces
us to confront the uniqueness of our lives.
When our response to unexpected news or startling ideas is not the same
as that of the people around us, we may feel driven by a desire to
dismiss our feelings as irrational or incorrect. But reactions
themselves are neither right, nor wrong. The forces that sculpted the
patterns that to a large extent dictate our development are not the same
forces that shaped the development of our relatives, friends,
colleagues, or neighbors. There is no reason to believe that one
person's reaction to a particular event is somehow more valid than
another's. How we respond to the constant changes taking place in the
world around us is a product of our history, a testament to our
individuality, and a part of the healing process that allows us to
address key elements of our past in a context we can grasp in the
present.
Life's pivotal events can provide you with a way to define yourself as a
unique and matchless being, but you must put aside the judgments that
might otherwise prevent you from gaining insight into your distinct mode
of interpreting the world. Try to internalize your feelings without
categorizing or evaluating them. When you feel unsure of the legitimacy
of your reactions, remember that cultural, sociological, spiritual, and
familial differences can cause two people to interpret a single event in
widely dissimilar ways. Examining your responses outside of the context
provided by others can show you that your emotional complexity is
something to be valued, for it has made you who you are today.