ACCEPTANCE

"All is as it should be, or not?" 

Where do we draw the line between healthy disagreements and verbal abuse? 

In most spiritual practices, (such as Buddhism) they say that everything is as it should be - everything, including people's personalities, natural disasters, change of seasons, war, disease, health; everything! Let's analyze this for a second. If it is wise for us to simply accept things instead of struggling to control them, then where do we draw the line in accepting abusive behavior from people? Does this mean that we should go with the flow regardless of the outcome because we are accepting chaos & abuse as a natural occurance? And... does this statement suggest that we are helpless to things that are bigger than oursleves?

One thing I learned is that the only real power we have is in controlling our own actions, but not the actions of others. In this way, I think it's safe to say that it would be wise to accept people and situations for what they are, but that doesn't mean that we have to participate in what we feel goes against the nature of our own spirit. When I was younger and much more naive, I believed that I had the power to change the world and make it a better place. Now I realize that as complex as this world is, the only real power I have is to change myself as I evolve on this journey. But that isn't something to take lightly. Knowing that I can lead by example means that I myself, must be mindful of how I treat others, and what kind of energy I'm putting out there. I must agree, that since God is bigger than what us humans can comprehend, then perhaps it is wiser to just accept people for who they are because he designed them that way for a reason. To say that one person is better than another is like saying that one animal is better than another, such as a swan being better than a shark. Both animals are different, and yet both are necessary for the earth - just like people who are opposite in nature.

For example, sometimes people who are humble and passive, don't mix well with people who are aggressive and cocky. And when they are forced to live or work together, there's a disharmony that causes arguements and stress. So when should one accept a person for who they are, and/or compramise without being stepped over?

I believe that the reason why the Buddha said, "All is as it should be", is because earth is like a school where people with all kinds of personalities have to learn how to give and take in order to find balance and harmony. If we were born into a perfect world, then there would be nothing for us to strive for. I also don't believe in accidents. Some people are born into beautiful families and environments, while others are born into hardcore situations where it's a fight to survive from the very beginning. Now, how do we say that it's the child's fault for where they came from? So while we're growing and developing, there's all kinds of reasons for how we are shaped and molded into the kinds of adults we become. My thing is that, if someone is hurtting you repeatedly through by causeing you constant heartache and grief, then it may not be your job to change them (because you can't), but you can learn to let go of that relationship and still wish them well. As I mentioned above, the only person you can change is yourself, therefore, it would be wise to accept others for who they are and just worry about making your own life better. That is your sole responsibility: YOU.

Try not to question why certain people are cruel, short tempered, manipulative, or whatever. No one is God, nor can anyone comprehend all of his creations. There comes a time when one would benefit more from continueing on their journey by exploring other pastures. It's ok to retreat and discover new people, new lands, new careers, and/or new lifestyle habits. Of course everywhere you go, there will always be challenges, but there's a difference between stumbling upon obstacles and getting abused. You'll know in your spirit when it's time to fight a certain battle, and when it's time to let go. Remember, we don't have to know everything, and we don't have to change everybody. Allow pwople the space to be themselves, and focus on being a better version of YOU.