Don't Criticize!

It's easy to criticize someone but it's harder to criticize ourselves. Do we not see ourselves - our true selves or perhaps we are truly oblivious to who we really are and what we represent.

Before we begin to criticize another individual or pass judgement, we should look closely at ourselves. When we criticise another, often we are really seeing our weaknesses before our eyes. Once looking at ourselves, we should be able to analyse our weaknesses and work on them gradually.

Letting go of expectations is another reason why we shouldn't criticize individuals. We all have expectations about certain individuals, but they are not perfect and neither are we. Throughout our lives, people will disappoint us, but we have to remind ourselves of their good qualities. Leave the expectations to God. "My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him" (Psalm 62:5)

Before the need to criticize, ask for guidance.

Being Still

Being still means just that.We make the mistake of putting the being still process in a box labelled, when, where and how. Sometimes it's not always convenient to shut ourselves off from the hectic world around us. Taking short or long breaks away from the stressful environment is great if one is able to do that, but short, even the shortest bursts are just as effective. And that's all it can take; 5,10, 15 minutes to recharge lost mental, emotional and spiritual energy to start climbing the mountain again.

The short bursts of stillness, gives us time to focus on what we doing and where we are going; quick interludes, five minute breaks. Almost like mini meditations sessions, where the mind is cleared of everything. It is surprising how these short bursts of being still can actually work wonders on our busy lives.

So really, the phrase "I don't have time to be still" should be eliminated from our vocabulary. One can find time whilst waiting for the bus, whilst waiting in the doctor's waiting room, waiting for food, waiting, waiting, waiting. There is no excuse to being still.

Thoughts

Thoughts have power. Thoughts are energy. You can make or break your world by your thinking. SUSAN TAYLOR