This is written by Jane.
Dedication to the truth requires the tool of discipline. Truth is reality. Each of us holds a view of reality. Our minds become confused by misperceptions of what is really happening when we cannot perceive people, places, and events clearly.
We get to choose whether our map is true or false. Most people do not want to see the world clearly because it requires a lot of self-study. It is much easier to keep the map we drew of the world when we were children. Many of us feel that whatever map we were given by family, friends, teachers, religious, economic, and political institutions is the one and only map we will ever need. This is a “just getting by” map.
Our maps are only accurate if we continually revise them all day long three hundred sixty-five days a year. People, places, and things change every moment of the day. All day long we are bombarded with new information. The secret to living well, lies in our ability to continuously revise our view of everything we think, see, and do. What worked for grandma twenty-five years ago, does not necessarily work today. And sometimes, what worked for grandma twenty-five years ago can be a solution for something happening in our lives today.
The question is, “How are you redrawing your map right now?” Would you rather live with your outdated map? And what about the maps of our teachers, leaders, corporations, and religions? Dedicating ourselves to the truth of how “things really are” requires us to face some pain.
Revising our maps is not an easy task. Are you up for the challenge of living your life in total dedication to self honesty? In order for the world to change, I must change. I must constantly step back, contemplate my perspective, and then act appropriately every single moment of the day in order to relieve suffering within myself and the world.