All too often it is easy to assign blame to others- other people, other groups, polarizing us from one another and creating division. This spiritual season of Pentecost is about unity and the spiritual power that can draw us together rather than drive us apart.
There is a scripture about not judging others that challenges us to look at the “log” in our own eye before pointing out the “speck” in another person’s eye. As a psychologist, I believe everyone can benefit from looking internally with curiosity and openness, seeking understanding and greater compassion for self and others. The goal of self-examination is not self-criticism, getting down on ourselves about our inevitable humanness and imperfections, but acknowledging them and focusing our energy on becoming more loving and effective people.
Look internally today, and acknowledge what is there. There are positive aspects of the self as well as negative at any point in time. Celebrate the positive and acknowledge the negative, and use your energy to become more of who you want to be.