I always laugh when people think that just because we are on a spiritual journey, we can be used as a doormat for them to wipe their dirty feet. They think that being spiritual means we have no spine, allowing others to treat us poorly without repercussion.
The definition I use for a spiritual journey is a journey to discover our authentic self. This means reconnecting with the love that created us and all we can see in the night sky and beyond. To boil it down, a spiritual journey is connecting with the love of all creation.
How does this relate to being a doormat? When we are living a life in union with this love, the actions of others do not bother us. We recognize that they are behaving as they are because they are not aware of this eternal source of love.
A spiritual journey also means we have the courage to walk away when we feel people are being unkind. When we are in alignment with the love of all creation, we no longer associate with people who use others as a doormat. Once we separate ourselves from negative people, we are free to choose healthier relationships.
As we continue down the spiritual path we understand that those who use others as a doormat lack self-love. To love ourselves truly, is to love others without conditions or expectations. When we fully love ourselves, we love all, without excuses.
Yet that’s the challenge, to love all. We often want others to behave in a way that pleases us. In a way, we use others as a doormat if they don’t act a certain way. But, that’s not love is it?
A powerful lesson I have learned along my spiritual journey is everyone is doing the best they can. That’s a tough one to accept because we judge others so easily. Whether they use others to wipe their feet or not, they are doing their best.
We could say this is an excuse to justify bad behavior. Yet think about it, aren’t we doing our best every day? Isn’t our ability to love unconditionally giving people the benefit of the doubt?
Most of the time, those who use others as a doormat are unaware of the ever-lasting love found within them. When we are united with this love, we can see the love in them, even if they cannot. That’s the power of a spiritual journey, to recognize the love at the core of all people, even if they are not conscious of this love.
When we see people treating others poorly we know they are disconnected from this source of love. With our new wisdom, if we see someone using others as a doormat it is a sign for us to extend love toward them.
Does this justify their behavior? No it does not, but their behavior is a reflection of who they are, and our reaction to them is a reflection of who we are. A spiritual journey gives us the strength and courage to walk the high road, without the need, or desire to judge anyone.
Of course the spiritual journey is not easy. Falling back into old negative patterns of behavior can take our focus away. Yet, when these moments arise we can use these experiences as lessons to strengthen our resolve. The longer we remain emotionally centered, the easier it will be to maintain our love for others. In living this way, we will have no need to use others as a doormat.
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Are we courageous enough to love ourselves so much we can see the love in others? Let me know what you think. Leave a question or comment below. I’m always open to hearing your point of view.
Each week I email an article to those who have subscribed to my weekly newsletter. This week I wrote about the benefits of daydreaming when we are trying to solve a problem, find inner peace, or just need a break from the hustle and bustle of life. Here is an excerpt.
Daydreaming frees the mind from this rut. We see new ways of handling old problems because we are not looking for answers, we are allowing the mind to wander. It is in this state of freedom we connect with the energy of our intuition.
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Here is a list of upcoming events and workshops I’ll be involved with.
December 7th Holistic Healing and Psychic Faire, Hosted by, A Little Bit of Kindness.
10:00am-4:00pm
Midtown Event Center 158 S. Second St.
Sierra Vista, AZ.
I’ll be selling books as well as speaking about the freedom we receive from unconditional love. If you are searching for your people, this is the place to be.
December 14th Author Talk
1:00pm
Patagonia Public Library
Patagonia, AZ.
I’ll be discussing writing, spirituality, and connecting with our inner voice.
If you have never been to Patagonia, AZ. it’s worth a visit.
January 11th Charting the New Year
1:00-3:00 $30:00
A Little Bit of Kindness www.alittlebitofkindness.org
7730 E. Alhambra Dr.
Sierra Vista, AZ.
Learn to use a chart to manifest your dreams and goals for the upcoming New Year.
January 25th Sacred Space Journaling Workshop
Strega 214-790-5427 flyingmonkeys@stregashop.com
11:00-12:30 or 1:00-2:30 Two sessions choose which one works best for you. $30:00
157 N. Coronado Dr.
Sierra Vista, AZ.
The intention of this journaling workshop is to begin a dialogue with your higher self. Thereby allowing you to find guidance and answers to help you live to the fullness of who you are.
This workshop has sold out in the past. Call or email Strega to register.
Thanks for being a part of this wonderful adventure called life. I enjoy your company.
Peace and well-being, Paul
Copyright© Paul Hudon 2024
I have found it easier to stay clear of toxic people,even when their family members.I would find myself angry and upset for the day after spending time with this person.She was so draining.Even though I love her it was very unhealthy.
I plan on attending your workshops,Joe and Gail will also attend we really look forward to them.Great way to start New Year,
Kathy
I appreciate your comment Kathy,
Family can be one of the most challenging relationships we may ever experience. Thete is no harm is stepping away to maintain your emotional center. One way to protect ourselves from mean and hurtful people is to love ourselves so deeply, their opinions or actions do not anger us or disturb our inner peace.
I look forward to seeing you in at my next workshop.
Peace and well-being, Paul
Good morning, Paul,
Glad I took the time to re-read your post this morning.
This has so many layers to it that seems never ending. This week I did fall back into some old patterns of thinking, luckily was able to start regrouping today.
In the past 2 years or so I have gotten much better at not letting others decimate my space. Yet a series of events these last two weeks derailed that a bit.
It did however allow me to see my growth.
There is a big misconception about walking a peaceful path and being a doormat, I use to think if you spoke your truth, it made me even more flawed because I should know better. It’s just that we will learn and readjust until the day we are no longer on our earthly journey.
Thinking sometimes as often said, walking from afar is key, loving in the middle of the fire is key, and accepting your part in it is key.
Blessings and until next time.
Thank you for sharing your experience.
I think falling into old patterns is to be expected on our spiritual journey. We are a work in progress and may need to repeat a lesson over again to allow us to grow in strength and wisdom.
Peace and well-being, Paul