Rejection is one of the most painful experiences in relationships, both from others and from ourselves. In fact, if we look closely, it is easy to see that we reject most of what life brings. As this is such a common experience for many, it is very important to ask how we can put an end to rejection, what steps are there we can take? This article offers specific steps and guidance in doing this.
As rejection and dissatisfaction is such a common experience for most people, the next question to ask is, how can we put an end to it? What are the steps that we can take to become free of rejection both of others and ourselves? And also to become free of rejection by others as well. When this happens all our relationships become open, positive, constructive and present many wonderful surprises and joy.
Following are some steps to take on this wonderful journey.
1) Do Not Look For The Faults Of OthersDo not look for the faults of others. The moment you notice yourself judging, comparing or criticizing someone, immediately turn this around. Look for something wonderful about that person. Put a stop to the critical mind.
Often the problems we see in others are only reflections of what is going on within. What we cannot tolerate in others, is often something we refuse to acknowledge or accept in ourselves. Loneliness and upset arises from projecting our faults onto others, from trying to control and change them.
2) When Someone You Have Been Close To Hurts You, View It As An Opportunity To Grow.
We often reject another person because we feel hurt, judged or rejected by them. However, there is a better way to view this situation. Rather than turn them into an enemy, view them as a friend. Realize that when someone behaves badly towards you, this gives you an opportunity to grow. You can practice patience, develop a larger perspective, and be forced to find a better way to respond. We do not have to behave the way others treat us, instead we can model a new way of being for them.
3) Take Responsibility: See How You May Have Contributed To ThisIt is useful to realize that this person may have come into your life to teach you patience, endurance, compassion, or to balance negative actions you have taken yourself over time. Take a moment to ask yourself how you may have contributed, (knowingly or unknowingly) to this painful event taking place in your life. It is possible that you have set certain causes in motion, which are responsible for this now?Understanding this, we take responsibility for what is happening, for our part in how we perceive others and respond to them. Once we straighten ourselves, correct our own attitudes and open our arms and our heart, the world opens its whole arms to us as well.
4) Do Not Give Up On Others – Do Not Give Up On YourselfHow easy it is to give up on others (and on ourselves). The minute this happens remind yourself not to - return to the relationship with compassion and awareness. As we practice with this kind of “open-heartedness” it soon becomes obvious that the way we treat another is the way we also treat ourselves. That which we find ugly or unacceptable in another is simply a reflection of something we find ugly or unacceptable in ourselves. By accepting them, we are healing ourselves as well.
5) Become Life’s FriendAs we stop fighting, judging and rejecting, an amazing thing happens; we realize we are all one, fellow travelers upon this vast earth. Whoever appears before us is simply another face of ourselves, a different possibility. Judgment is not necessary. Curiosity and compassion are a better response.
As we do this, we naturally become life’s friend. This is the state of mind that accepts, nurtures, and upholds all life. When we are life’s friend we see all people as though they were our very own child. Though this attitude may seem impossible in the beginning, with time, mindfulness and steady practice, this kind of mind naturally grows. When this state of mind blossoms, whatever happens the experience of rejection no longer can be found.
Cc/author/2005
Healing Through Zen
When some people suffer they take drugs or go for therapy. Another way suffering can also be healed is through the practice of Zen. There are radical differences in these two approaches. This article describes the way Zen practice views and handles suffering. It offers a completely alternative way to cope with the stress and pain we go through.
The Secret to Healing Loneliness
Loneliness is one of the great sufferings of our time. Despite being constantly online and tuned in, the heart needs human warmth and contact. This article explores the true causes of loneliness and offers specific, wonderful steps to healing it, to freeling truly connected, knowing how and where you truly belong.
When Change Comes (Steps to Dealing with Uncertainty)
When change comes our usual reaction is to grab and hold onto what is familiar. We do not realize that the harder we hold, the more we crush whatever it is we have in our hands. There are other ways we can handle change which are constructive and take a great deal of pain and struggle away. This article offers specific tools and guidelines on a new way of viewing and relating to the changes we are going through.
