Honor

Reading from Monday, January 30, 2012 yoga class

Honor for those who embody noble qualities

"Thanks to electronic news media, magazines, books, and the Internet, historical information is in abundance, and most of us are fortunate to learn of great souls and their accomplishments.  The opportunity for inspiration seems boundless.  As we rejoice in and appreciate their qualities, we are inspired by knowing that such greatness is possible.  If this dynamic feat can be done by one, why not by others?  Much of what we need to achieve the extraordinary is encouragement and inspiration.  The rest seems to take care of itself.

Who are some of these great souls?  We can probably agree on quite a few.  Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King, Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and others inspired miracles in our world.  Through them and their deeds, the whole of humanity is elevated.  There are also countless uncelebrated heroines and heroes among us, living their virtue quietly, who we know little about.

Everyone has human limitations along with her or his greatness;  it is up to us to choose which aspects to focus on.  Observing noble qualities in others is a virtue of the heart.  Our own horizons expand as we look toward the highest in others.  Feeling discouraged, we may deflate our own talents while putting others on pedestals.  "Oh she is so talented; I could never dance like that."  "She is such a good cook.  I always burn anything I bake."  Or in our insecurity we find reason to bring them down beneath us.  "Yes, she might be an extraordinary leader, but she is wrapped up in her work that she neglects her family."

Instead, try to find noble qualities in everyone.  Some of us may need to become archaeologists and dig deep.  It could be as simple as the graceful way she picks up a flower, or her keen fashion sense, or his good work ethic.  Whatever it is, no matter how simple it may seem, focusing on this virtue will create a pathway to our heart.  The more we practice this way of relating to others, the easier it is to recognize their Divine qualities and ultimately ours, too. 

Spiritual teachers are everywhere, if our hearts are conditioned to recognize them.  These "ordinary people" have allowed me some of my most precious learning experiences."

                         From the book, "The Secret Power of Yoga" by Nischala Joy Devi