Einstein said

A human being is a part of a whole, called by us _universe_, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest... a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty."-Albert Einstein

Came across this today and it struck a chord within me. I have many times thought that we are all locked in our own little world. We find it hard to imagine a situation in any way other than how we ourselves see it. Small wonder that we are so often surrounded with conflict.

I must strive to understand that my personal view although it may be correct for me doesn't need to be the only way to look at a situation. What may be logical and obvious to me may not be obvious or even acceptable for another. This is a lack of understanding on my part.  We are all unique, with opinions formed by our experiences, obstacles and even our response to those  obstacles.  We would all do well to walk a mile is someone else's shoes before we try to force our opinions upon them.

I think one of the greatest obstacles I have had in my life is an inability to get close to many people at the same time.  It is almost as if I am afraid that the more I share my love around the more diluted it will become. I have always had one or two close friends and many acquaintances.  I would spend all my time with my close friends and could not seem able to find time for the friends I had met but never pursued...  I would get anxious in group setting with my close friends almost afraid that somehow someone would take them from me.

It's a small realisation that my own insecurities and abandonment issues have prevented me  from opening up to all the blessings life had put in front of me that I just didn't follow up on.  Even in love relationships it has been a struggle to let my partner be herself and spend time away from me. What if she meets someone better, what if she leaves me behind, what if she stops spending time with me, what if I am not  enough to let her be happy.

It is exactly these attitudes that constitute the failure I set myself up for. In my blind need to love and be loved, I have slowly  smothered the flames myself with my insecurities. Sitting at home anxiously while my partner  is out is just pointless and futile. Why am i not using this time to foster my own friendships and relationships. Why must I limit my love to a few  individuals instead of  offering myself to the world as a whole. I have much to learn, and also much to teach. There is great wisdom locked away in me and in everyone I meet. All I need to do is open the door and let it swing wide. 

Today I walked along the river and just tried to open myself to what great spirit had put in front of me, and  I was fortunate to get to listen ot the song of a cardinal singing away in the cold white winter air. I know the cardinal can symbolize a need to recognise my importance to myself and to others.

 I need to listen to what is blowing on the winds... I should try to focus on the song inside myself  for my own health and well being. The appearance of cardinal in my life tells me to assert my creativity and intuition more strongly.  I would do well to add colour to my life and remember that all I do is important and has effects beyond myself.  (from Animal Speak, The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great & Small)