Oh what a great way to identify how we live vs. how we would like to live – as A gap!
Yes there are gaps in my life, many of which I am aware and some I am sure I still need to identify!
I value the earth and so want to minimize my non-compostable garbage. At times however, due to need of speed or convenience I slip.
Water – I am aware of what a gift drinking water is and want to ensue I don’t waste, however, there are times I let the shower warm up or forget to turn off the water when brushing teeth😩
Then I catch myself!
And then wasting food-we always do leftovers meals but at times the leftovers of the leftovers don’t get used…I I ask forgiveness as I know others would love those… I could go on but you get the idea.
I was thinking that living in “an intentional community “ would help me live the values I profess, but my partner is not of that mindset🤷♀️
So I limp along trying to live my values…
I try not to have gaps but know I do. My boss challenged me the other day. There was an error at work that needed to be addressed (a member called in and had wrong ID due to input error) and my boss wanted me to address it to the team. I pondered it over and decided not to point fingers but use it as a teachable moment. Turns out it was “World Kindness day”, that made me laugh. My boss on the other hand at times has pointed fingers I know how demeaning it can be. We are all human and make errors but we also need to slow down and check for errors that could cause bigger issues and complaints.
I remember a saying a wise co-worker shared, though I never spouted it out loud!
If someone is pointing a finger, there are 3 pointing back at them😂
This helped me get through similar experiences to the examples you shared…
Are there gaps between what I value and how I’m living?
Goodness gracious,
yes.
I am aware of it always.
The first thing that comes to mind
is that I use a very poisonous spray on my poison ivy.
When we first moved here,
the property was infested with poison ivy . . .
a couple of Jamaican brothers
came and pulled out as much as they could
and drove away with a truckload of the stuff.
They informed me
that most Jamaicans are immune to the oils in it,
because their country has so much of it
that over the generations
they’ve developed protection.
I’m not though . . .
I am very allergic to it
and have to get shots and take steroids,
so I keep a mixed batch of the spray
and do a poison ivy patrol around our property
every three or four weeks
during the warmer seasons.
I know it’s bad for the environment
and other living things,
but it is a sacrifice I have to make
if I am to work in my gardens,
and I take responsibility for my sin.
I try in other ways to make up the difference,
but fail in some areas
as we all do
at one time or another.
I pray I will be forgiven,
not by the poison ivy gods,
but by the plants that get to grow
because they haven’t been strangled out
by the vines.
There are other gaps,
but when I see them
I ask why,
when my spiritual convictions are strong,
and then work to close them.
Each one is a life lesson
and I respect them all,
even when they shine a light
on something I don’t like about myself . . .
work in progress. ♥
Yes of course. there are many situations where deeds and values are not congruent. Too much of television in the past, while fortunately, getting better now: meditation/ Dharma, and reading related books/ texts. So what i can do and will do is to turn again to the values and practices in the sense of “first things come first” and for the part which is in my responsibility, doing my best to bring this back on a regular base into my life, and possibly helping others onward also, i now go to bed, incongruent situation as well while being tired already since several hours.. Thank you for this question. May you all have a beautiful slumber and a wonderful next mornng may appear to all of you.
I too,
read this reflection,
dear Carol Ann . . .
no one of us
wants to own our deficits of integrity,
but many of us want to grow in spirit,
and so we do
anyway. ♥
At first, I was thinking of my values of love, connection, intimacy, and having fun. I try to embody those everyday but I admit I struggle with giving myself the same love I give to others. As I wrote in my journal this morning, I was once again berating myself about not being where I want to be in life. Turning 28 today, I feel like a failure compared to others in my life. But I decided to write all the good things about myself, like how I thoughtful and caring I can be, how I make genuine effort to take care of myself, how kind I am to others, how reliable I am, how I enjoy my own company. And for that, I am grateful for another year on this beautiful journey with each of you along the way. 🧡🙏🏽🌟
Yes definitely the gaps do exist between what I value and how I live. I need to achieve many things both physically and emotionally as well to bridge the gaps. This struggle between “what I value” and “how I live” is a never ending mental conflict that ever prevail…….
I want to say no, there are no gaps between how I am living & my values. However, after spending more time with this thought provoking question I realize I am not so sure about my response of no.
I know I can do better in many areas & am growing & learning every day. I am a work in progress & I believe that is a good thing.
Thanks for the question. I have a lot to think about. 🙏🏻
🕊️♥️
PKR, this goes for me with integrity too. I’ve been known to pull strings to just surround myself with the people who care for me my way. Even if it’s done out of autonomy and protection, it still falls right into the hands of the LeLron James Political Superteaming Buddy System agenda. Cliques are the last things we need more of. This is where having good family structure helps, and I’m fortunate to have that.
Family is there when needed most. Business partners and buddies are there for their agendas. Only the 11th one out of the 10 are there for us when needed most if lucky.
Yes, there are gaps. I’m going to call them instructional gaps. If I can stay mindful, I witness myself not living within my values. I can use the opportunity to learn about myself and others, and practice self-compassion.
Of course there are gaps between my values and how I’m living. Could I be kinder? Definitely. Could I be more connected? Of course. Could I walk more gently on this earth and use less resources? You bet.
Could I take better care of myself? Uh yeah.
But, living in this world requires that I make decisions and sacrifices. Trade offs. And I can’t let my failures to meet my values 100% of the time, paralyze me. I must practice gratitude for the times when I am meeting and living my values. Celebrating those moments when I can transcend my daily needs and live in alignment with my values.
As usual, this is a great question and I am grateful to have this opportunity to ponder. I look forward to reading all of your responses. 🙏
Goodness, this question goes right to the heart. I believe, as a spiritual seeker, the Divine is always providing teachable moments. I value vulnerability; however, without over sharing, I have to answer the question with a resounding, “yes.” I definitely fall prey to materialism, FOMO (I mentioned that recently) “Fear Of Missing Out”—which is covetousness, and anger. Coming to this community and beginning my day with Sadhana (spiritual practice) helps to alleviate these tendencies. I am grateful to have a mirror shined on me this morning.
I wouldn’t call it a gap, but more of a temptation. My value is simplicity, yet it’s tempting when I see things on sale on Amazon. I have to remind myself, “I have enough. I am simply a steward of God’s possessions.” I aim to buy what I need, not what I want. Wishing everyone a peaceful Monday filled with hope and joy. 🐦
“aim to buy what I need, not what I want.”
Yes I try that too- and yet that is easier for me than using conveniences that are not simple and not earth friendly.
I don’t think there are. I do the best I can to let my heart guide me. Most of the time I am successful, but sometimes the ego mind gets in the way. It’s okay when that happens, as it shows me what I need to work on.
I have been trying to reply to my own comment to thank you all for the birthday wishes. You are all so kind and I appreciate being a part of this community!
I tried again to comment on yesterday’s question, but no luck… weird.
The important part was that I wanted you all to know how much I appreciated the birthday wishes. You are all so kind and it filled my heart to read each of your comments. My husband and I had so much fun zip lining! It was truly exhilarating! We did a rope course, too, which my husband said was like being on Survivor. It was really challenging, but I felt like Super Woman when I finally got to the end!
I am happy to hear,
dear SunnyPatti,
that you had a “Super” birthday,
and also
that it seems that the Gratefulness site
has gotten everything straightened out
for you. ♥
Give yourself the gift of free bi-monthly inspiration including uplifting articles, diverse stories, supportive practices, videos, and more, delivered with heart to your inbox.
Oh what a great way to identify how we live vs. how we would like to live – as A gap!
Yes there are gaps in my life, many of which I am aware and some I am sure I still need to identify!
I value the earth and so want to minimize my non-compostable garbage. At times however, due to need of speed or convenience I slip.
Water – I am aware of what a gift drinking water is and want to ensue I don’t waste, however, there are times I let the shower warm up or forget to turn off the water when brushing teeth😩
Then I catch myself!
And then wasting food-we always do leftovers meals but at times the leftovers of the leftovers don’t get used…I I ask forgiveness as I know others would love those… I could go on but you get the idea.
I was thinking that living in “an intentional community “ would help me live the values I profess, but my partner is not of that mindset🤷♀️
So I limp along trying to live my values…
I try not to have gaps but know I do. My boss challenged me the other day. There was an error at work that needed to be addressed (a member called in and had wrong ID due to input error) and my boss wanted me to address it to the team. I pondered it over and decided not to point fingers but use it as a teachable moment. Turns out it was “World Kindness day”, that made me laugh. My boss on the other hand at times has pointed fingers I know how demeaning it can be. We are all human and make errors but we also need to slow down and check for errors that could cause bigger issues and complaints.
Good job,
dear Robin Ann. ♥
I remember a saying a wise co-worker shared, though I never spouted it out loud!
If someone is pointing a finger, there are 3 pointing back at them😂
This helped me get through similar experiences to the examples you shared…
I like that!!
Are there gaps between what I value and how I’m living?
Goodness gracious,
yes.
I am aware of it always.
The first thing that comes to mind
is that I use a very poisonous spray on my poison ivy.
When we first moved here,
the property was infested with poison ivy . . .
a couple of Jamaican brothers
came and pulled out as much as they could
and drove away with a truckload of the stuff.
They informed me
that most Jamaicans are immune to the oils in it,
because their country has so much of it
that over the generations
they’ve developed protection.
I’m not though . . .
I am very allergic to it
and have to get shots and take steroids,
so I keep a mixed batch of the spray
and do a poison ivy patrol around our property
every three or four weeks
during the warmer seasons.
I know it’s bad for the environment
and other living things,
but it is a sacrifice I have to make
if I am to work in my gardens,
and I take responsibility for my sin.
I try in other ways to make up the difference,
but fail in some areas
as we all do
at one time or another.
I pray I will be forgiven,
not by the poison ivy gods,
but by the plants that get to grow
because they haven’t been strangled out
by the vines.
There are other gaps,
but when I see them
I ask why,
when my spiritual convictions are strong,
and then work to close them.
Each one is a life lesson
and I respect them all,
even when they shine a light
on something I don’t like about myself . . .
work in progress. ♥
I too spot spray noxious weeds along with pulling and cutting. I use it sparingly, for my animals thrive on the forage.
I too,
use as little as possible,
and protect surrounding plants
from the spray,
dear Joseph . . .
I guess we do what we have to do. ♥
Yes of course. there are many situations where deeds and values are not congruent. Too much of television in the past, while fortunately, getting better now: meditation/ Dharma, and reading related books/ texts. So what i can do and will do is to turn again to the values and practices in the sense of “first things come first” and for the part which is in my responsibility, doing my best to bring this back on a regular base into my life, and possibly helping others onward also, i now go to bed, incongruent situation as well while being tired already since several hours.. Thank you for this question. May you all have a beautiful slumber and a wonderful next mornng may appear to all of you.
Yes- there is another one, the value of unplugging but then watching too much TV! Your not alone with that one!
Yes. And that’s uncomfortable because this is a question, and an answer about integrity; and who wants to own up to their deficits of integrity?
Yes, there are gaps.
Good reading to accompany this question:https://cac.org/daily-meditations/not-as-rational-as-we-think/
I too,
read this reflection,
dear Carol Ann . . .
no one of us
wants to own our deficits of integrity,
but many of us want to grow in spirit,
and so we do
anyway. ♥
At first, I was thinking of my values of love, connection, intimacy, and having fun. I try to embody those everyday but I admit I struggle with giving myself the same love I give to others. As I wrote in my journal this morning, I was once again berating myself about not being where I want to be in life. Turning 28 today, I feel like a failure compared to others in my life. But I decided to write all the good things about myself, like how I thoughtful and caring I can be, how I make genuine effort to take care of myself, how kind I am to others, how reliable I am, how I enjoy my own company. And for that, I am grateful for another year on this beautiful journey with each of you along the way. 🧡🙏🏽🌟
Yes definitely the gaps do exist between what I value and how I live. I need to achieve many things both physically and emotionally as well to bridge the gaps. This struggle between “what I value” and “how I live” is a never ending mental conflict that ever prevail…….
For me,
dear Nihal,
the gaps get less
the older I become . . ..
another one of age’s gifts. ♥
Yes indeed.
When you become older you look for simplicity not the complexity which makes any gaps disappear.
You are not alone in that one💕
Reinforcing is a good option to bridge the gaps. Thanks Cathie for your upholding
I want to say no, there are no gaps between how I am living & my values. However, after spending more time with this thought provoking question I realize I am not so sure about my response of no.
I know I can do better in many areas & am growing & learning every day. I am a work in progress & I believe that is a good thing.
Thanks for the question. I have a lot to think about. 🙏🏻
🕊️♥️
PKR, this goes for me with integrity too. I’ve been known to pull strings to just surround myself with the people who care for me my way. Even if it’s done out of autonomy and protection, it still falls right into the hands of the LeLron James Political Superteaming Buddy System agenda. Cliques are the last things we need more of. This is where having good family structure helps, and I’m fortunate to have that.
Family is there when needed most. Business partners and buddies are there for their agendas. Only the 11th one out of the 10 are there for us when needed most if lucky.
Yes, there are gaps. I’m going to call them instructional gaps. If I can stay mindful, I witness myself not living within my values. I can use the opportunity to learn about myself and others, and practice self-compassion.
I love this answer! It leaves room for imperfection. Thank you for modeling this. I can be so hard on myself.
Me too! Working on it every day.
Of course there are gaps between my values and how I’m living. Could I be kinder? Definitely. Could I be more connected? Of course. Could I walk more gently on this earth and use less resources? You bet.
Could I take better care of myself? Uh yeah.
But, living in this world requires that I make decisions and sacrifices. Trade offs. And I can’t let my failures to meet my values 100% of the time, paralyze me. I must practice gratitude for the times when I am meeting and living my values. Celebrating those moments when I can transcend my daily needs and live in alignment with my values.
As usual, this is a great question and I am grateful to have this opportunity to ponder. I look forward to reading all of your responses. 🙏
I do too,
dear Charlie . . . ♥
Amen!
Goodness, this question goes right to the heart. I believe, as a spiritual seeker, the Divine is always providing teachable moments. I value vulnerability; however, without over sharing, I have to answer the question with a resounding, “yes.” I definitely fall prey to materialism, FOMO (I mentioned that recently) “Fear Of Missing Out”—which is covetousness, and anger. Coming to this community and beginning my day with Sadhana (spiritual practice) helps to alleviate these tendencies. I am grateful to have a mirror shined on me this morning.
I follow the golden rule and sometimes get into good trouble. So there is a gap at times.
Thanks for being honest— I was worried I was the only one.
I wouldn’t call it a gap, but more of a temptation. My value is simplicity, yet it’s tempting when I see things on sale on Amazon. I have to remind myself, “I have enough. I am simply a steward of God’s possessions.” I aim to buy what I need, not what I want. Wishing everyone a peaceful Monday filled with hope and joy. 🐦
“aim to buy what I need, not what I want.”
Yes I try that too- and yet that is easier for me than using conveniences that are not simple and not earth friendly.
My Ngoc, as someone who gets straight to the point, we align on simplicity.
I don’t think there are. I do the best I can to let my heart guide me. Most of the time I am successful, but sometimes the ego mind gets in the way. It’s okay when that happens, as it shows me what I need to work on.
I have been trying to reply to my own comment to thank you all for the birthday wishes. You are all so kind and I appreciate being a part of this community!
I hope this posts.
Happy belated Sunnypatti!
I tried again to comment on yesterday’s question, but no luck… weird.
The important part was that I wanted you all to know how much I appreciated the birthday wishes. You are all so kind and it filled my heart to read each of your comments. My husband and I had so much fun zip lining! It was truly exhilarating! We did a rope course, too, which my husband said was like being on Survivor. It was really challenging, but I felt like Super Woman when I finally got to the end!
You go girl😊💕👍
I am happy to hear,
dear SunnyPatti,
that you had a “Super” birthday,
and also
that it seems that the Gratefulness site
has gotten everything straightened out
for you. ♥
I feel so weird with all these self-replies, but just learned that I was flagged for spam, and that’s why I was unable to post.
It happens!