Fallibility - May 4th

What if the interests of the self were

expanded to ... a God's eye view of the

human scene ... accepting failure as

being as natural an occurrence as

success in the stupendous human

drama... as little cause for worry and

concern as having to play the role of

a loser in a summer theater

performance.

• Huston Smith

Detachment is a mature and wise way of dealing with life experiences. It is sometimes difficult because it challenges our maturity. How can we take failure lightly when we have been taught all our lives to be winners and to accept every dare? How can we stand back from a loved one who is anxious and in pain, still be supportive, but not take charge as if it were our problem?

We can question some of our old ideas. Maybe we were wrong to think we should always be Prince Charming who rescues maidens in distress. Maybe our ideas about being winners have been compulsions that stood in our way of having true friends.

As my perspective is changed, I will get stronger in maintaining a healthy detachment.