Comparisons are relative, yet when we make them, we tend to feel they are absolute. “She’s prettier than I am. He’s more talented. I’m not thin enough, organized enough, or educated enough as Person X.” We all do this.
This week the focus is on making no comparison between oneself and others. Some food for thought:
Everybody is unique
Compare not yourself with anybody else
lest you spoil God’s curriculum.
–Baal Shem Tov
This week’s suggestion:
Create a self-portrait — a drawing, clay model, or collage — that illustrates what is unique about you.
–idea from 100 Ways to Keep Your Soul Alive: Living Deeply and Fully Every Day
What a remarkable and true idea – that our comparisons tend toward absolutes – and, I might add, even when not in regard to ourselves. Well worth rectifying in our thoughts and speech.
The way I think about it is this: life is a game, not a contest.
If you focus on playing, and not on competing, you get the most out of it.
Thanks for your thoughts, and for your always encouraging pages.
i just went through your posted collages and they’re absolutely beautiful! i do a lot of collaging myself. it was inspiring to see yours!
…I just read this today from Bhante Guarantana:
Don’t dwell upon contrasts: Differences do exist between people, but dwelling upon then is a dangerous process. Unless carefully handled, it leads directly to egotism.
As a amateur photographer, I’ve found that very few people are willing to have a portrait taken. They feel a need to be in control of the image. So I am left with self portraiture, which can be a fascinating project.
I was astonished at what the camera revealed. The images did not match what I see in the mirror. What was going on? My decision was to explore the face, make friends with the face. This involved taking photos with a “naked face” – no makeup, no jewelry – just the raw truth.
The comparison seems to be between what is really going on and the mask we choose to present to the public.
Interesting post as always Kathryn!