As mentioned in a previous post, part of my daily spiritual routine is to acknowledge for things. One of those four statements is to not offend others, but if I am offended, to learn the lesson.

The other day I was upset by my wife who kept criticizing me. One, two, three and four criticisms in a very short space of time. I responded with, “you are certainly riding me today!” I was upset. I walked away. Refused to eat for some time. My emotional, human, self was feeling hurt.

After some time my morning devotion returned to me: “If others upset me, learn the lesson… find the reason why.”

It dawned on me that what I was experiencing was a type of criticism that I do to others. By nature I am a critical person. I criticize others constantly. Perhaps not to their face, but certainly I have been guilty of writing snarky comments or reviews criticizing the work of others.

If I don’t like the constant criticism, then I should avoid criticizing others. In fact, today, I had planned on writing a critical review of a spiritual book recently purchased. In the journaling here, I realized the error of that direction.

I rejoice in the guidance given. That guidance not deserved, but offered none the less.

Following the tenants of the path will always guide me. Trusting in the revealed truth of the inner Master will always be the best course of action. Trust in the process.