Thankyou TonyWK, another very thought provoking thread! So deep!
I expect nothing less from you our friend lol.
I like your multiple lessons above. I agree we can't change our nature but I would say probably not at all.
My contribution and understandings towards "accepting ourselves" with the result being that we like and love ourselves IS to learn how to discard what other ppl have cruelly said to us and we took this on.
These are like bricks, burdening us and some to our very soul.
A wise man once said to me "When people are pointing their finger at you, do it, look at your hand..... see ONE finger pointing at you and THREE pointing right back at them". Meaning they have to look at THEMSELVES THREE times more than at you. This is in reference to criticism and cruel, destructive words. Also looking within.
A cousin taught me a LONG time ago to think "Your opinion of me is none of my business" when others are belittling you in abusive ways. And other pearlers.
One of my favourites is "You don't have the credibility to judge me". Hardly ANYONE really knows who we are.
Deflecting other's comments, unless they are constructive and delivered with kindness, is an essential action to learn. Like water off a duck's back lol!
Taking those bricks OFF that we've carried is another.
When these weights are gone and are no longer wielding power over our thoughts... we are free to discover the essence of our true selves.
Doing this work is so truly valuable.
Whomever you are, YOU are awesome.
Love your work TonyWK.
EM