On honesty and non violence

Do we really act with consciousness?
Do we care for our thoughts and the words that come out of our mouths?
Do we look at others with love? Do we look at ourselves with love?

Many sages around the world have talked about non violence and honesty as pillars of building peaceful and conscious communities, yet to us, following those two principles is hard work. We harm each other on a daily basis based on cultural beliefs that say we need to make people respect us by standing over them; we lie constantly with this same purpose or, perhaps, because we think some white lies are necessary to keep peace in our communities. But this way of living is harmful, it keeps us and the beings around us at a superficial level, it doesn't let us communicate what is really inside of us.

We really need to work on this, but you? It's really just a matter of skill building, like learning to ride a bike. We need to be patient with ourselves and keep trying until we become better and better, practice makes perfect. When you start riding a bike you are afraid you'll fall and it will hurt, but you keep trying because you know that bike can take you places. Slowly you begin to gain balance, you now feel comfortable, you can even maybe ride without putting your hands on the stirring wheel, and you have confidence in yourself. It's the same with learning honesty, with being true to yourself, becoming vulnerable and respecting yourself and others.

It's easy, just do it with love, be patient, brave, and listen to your soul.