The quality of everything we do: our physical actions, our verbal actions, and even our mental actions, depends on our motivation. That’s why it’s important for us to examine our motivation in our day to day life. If we cultivate respect for others and our motivation is sincere, if we develop a genuine concern for others’ well-being, then all our actions will be positive. ~Dalai Lama

As wonderful as this notion is, my very human self is often challenged to maintain this state of being. The Dalai Lama would also tell me to have compassion for myself yes? And that looks like what?

Well, for starters not beating myself up when I am less than “perfect.” And stop with judging others when they falter, are late, can’t receive my gift, or don’t respond the way I “think” they should.

The other day a discussion ensued on the nature of some of the terms of the Method and in this instance, Direct Motivation comes to mind.

At the most basic level, what are my motivations for doing what I do, how I do it, and for whom I do it? The more I am in touch with what my most immediate and direct motivations for the things I do, the more peaceful and grounded I remain. Even in the face of asking someone else for something I may need or want from them.

It’s good to know what directly motivates us. Being honest with ourselves improves our relationship with ourselves and is that where a healthy and natural sense of self originates from?

I wonder.