The true nature of our being is one of happiness and bliss.

Being happy within our own true nature and finding contentment with who we are is a natural part of humanity.

Throughout our lives—through conditioning and learned behaviour—we may spend unnecessary energy and time comparing ourselves with others. Admiring what others have achieved and praising the mark they’ve stamped on the world is a radiant quality. Living in a competitive world fueled by ego doesn’t always allow such qualities to thrive.

Comparison

We may call it jealousy, but a common aspect of conditioned behaviour allows us to spend a lot of our time striving to be like others or even wanting “things” that clutter our personal and mental space in hopes that by receiving we may become more prosperous and a better person for it. Our true nature knows that this cannot be further from the truth.

Discontentment

Jealousy is nothing but discontentment with the self. The word jealousy stems from the Greek word meaning “yeast or being rotten.” It’s a wasted and toxic emotion that eats away at our true nature. In certain situations it may stem from comparing ourselves with others and unfortunately conditioning has taught us to compare ourselves, forcing us to believe that there’s always somebody better and more superior than us. Comparing can easily become habitual but when it’s dropped jealousy disappears and space for positive feelings and emotions can be honored and nurtured. Everybody and everything is unique and incomparable. Recognise that you are yourself, nobody has ever been like you and you need not be like any other.

Bring Back the Balance—Eight Ways to be You

1. Allow yourself to be you and allow your own juices to flow. Allow your own true nature to blossom. Drop comparing to others and jealousies will disappear. Spend time with yourself, meditating and looking within.
2. Be yourself. Stop filtering your natural individuality and be comfortable within your own skin. Don’t give yourself any reason to be ashamed or embarrassed as these negative habits are the biggest obstacles to achieving your individuality.
3. Simply do things you enjoy doing.
4. Set goals for yourself, particularly goals that can contribute something new and different to the world.
5. Learn to face and overcome criticism. People love to criticise especially if they don’t feel confident in themselves. If you’re paving a new road for yourself it’s common to encounter naysayers. Get used to it.
6. Be original and put your own twist and slant on everything that you do, be individual. Don’t follow what the media and magazine articles tell you. Live from your heart instead of following the latest trends.
7. Love yourself and others, celebrate who you are and be proud of your existence. There will only ever be one of you so fulfill your potential.
8. Be proud of minor improvements and what you may call a mistake is a lesson learned and can only strengthen your being. So walk in the knowledge that who you are is just as good, if not better than the person you envision yourself to be.

Editor: Lynn Hasselberger

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