If a superior man abandon virtue,
how can he fulfill the requirements of that name?

The superior man does not,
even for the space of a single meal,
act contrary to virtue.

Analects of Confucius - Book 4, Chapter 5
(Translated by James Legge)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sometimes timing in life is just too perfect.

I was in the float tank last night, meditating on these recent posts about seeing others in yourself and yourself in others. Here are some of the insights that came through:

~ I have been darkness, and now I am light. Be light for those around me.

~ Recognize the inner child inside of everyone else as if it is me.

~ No longer seek others to fill my needs. Be the one others seek.

~ Be open and accepting to anyone who comes my way.

The moment I walked out of the studio with that meditative high, a man approached me asking for food. He said he’d been trying to turn over a new leaf, to make an honest living, but he’d been having trouble landing steady work.

Often when people ask for money, I don’t give because I assume it’s going to drugs or alcohol. But this man asked for food, and I could see the sobriety in his eyes. Plus we were standing next to a pizza shop that sold slices with a glowing “OPEN” sign. There was nothing else to do.

I bought a couple slices and sat down with him while he ate, and listened to his story: Former cocaine dealer, theft and felony on his record, but he was young and stupid then.

He seemed sincere; he even saved a slice for the friend who was letting him stay at his place. I pointed him toward a place I saw was hiring recently and he thanked me. Before we parted ways he said, “I knew God was gonna send someone my way this evening.”

Had I abandoned virtue, even for the space of a single meal, I would not have been filled with the satisfaction that statement brought me.

I have been darkness, and now I am light.

Be the one others seek.