I’m better than you!

And don’t you ever forget it!
I’m smarter, wiser, funnier, more friendly, better looking, etc etc.
I really can’t help it you know. I was just born this way, very special!

Now I know that this must be they way my mind works, or I would never look at others with any judgement or criticism. The sense of self is so very powerful, that I think it can blind you or me with it’s lure.
I think we are all subject to feelings of low self-esteem and self-worth, so I believe that having this judgement on others is a knee-jerk reaction.
Once I make a judgement on you, I instantly raise my own level of being to a superior one. You’re bad, I’m good or you’re stupid, I’m smart. Maybe sometimes you think I’m selfish, but you are giving.
These are all judgements, delusions, and defilement’s. Poison in our minds.
And the only medicine to cure this illness is mindfulness.
Unless you or I can become aware of these thoughts as soon as they arise, we will continue to not only poison our minds but to remain ignorant and without wisdom. And this is not a judgement on you or me, this is simply the reality of self and ego.

My Mother always taught me that if you don’t have something nice to say about someone, don’t say anything at all.
I would take that one step further, and suggest that if you can’t think something nice about a person, don’t think.

Each and every moment, we choose whether or not we put out loving kindness and compassion, or choose anger, judgement and criticism.
And I think we each change the World every time we smile and show our loving nature.
I hope you can see this, because I know this is a path to greater awakening and awareness (bodhicitta). Sowing the seeds of loving kindness, compassion and acceptance.

Also, I do not believe that any of us are stuck with our character or condition. Do not ever feel as though this is just the way you are, or who you are. These are all things of the mind, and the mind can be remolded. This is a scientifically proven fact.
The Buddha taught us that there is an end to suffering, and he gave us the path to do so. I think this is one of the very important steps in achieving this. At least for me it is.

Accept yourself and others, be mindful, and cultivate loving kindness and compassion

May you be well, happy and peaceful.