Musings From Mull

I have just got back from a great week cycle touring on Mull. Yes, it rained. How else would it stay beautifully green, like a jewel? As I wandered around the stone circle at Lochbuie, with the dramatic landscape as a backdrop, I wondered how the ancients felt about the scene before me. I do love a beach, but mountains move me. I was in awe. That night as we zipped the tent closed to the view of Ben Buie leaving us with the sound of lapping waves and urgent trills of the oystercatchers, I felt a thrill at immersing myself in my surroundings. The awe felt by the ancients must have been heavy with respect, as nature takes as well gives. My awe, however, is heavy with wonder, for my experience is for pleasure not survival.

With this different perspective it is a good reminder to brush up on my personal value of tolerance. The more I can accept that others may have a different viewpoint, the greater my inner peace. If I can think a little more deeply about the possible origins of someone’s behaviour, I might find renewed respect.  When I practice empathy by putting myself in someone else’s shoes, my understanding grows. So, when I catch myself becoming irritated by another’s actions or impatient in that queue, I must try to understand my judgement in order to find the path to a better day. Is my stance the only steadfast truth? Do I know better than everyone else? Does the world really revolve around me? Of course not.

I think a sense of curiosity is a key to developing tolerance. ‘Why?’ is a brilliant question. ‘Why not?’ is even better. Firstly, as a step to understanding another person a little better before you step in with your own story. Secondly, to understand ourselves better too. When you learn something about someone else it teaches you something about yourself. Learning about yourself is a form of self love when you can do it gently with some tolerance. We are our own harshest critic.

 Lesson 13 according to Guan Yin is: When you want to judge, be love.