...

Extreme sexual abuse, domestic violence, the horrors of war, loved ones committing suicide, loved ones becoming the victims of homicide, countless other malicious acts.

We find a way accept these things. To move past our pain and trauma. To connect to others, cultivate relationships, and form deep personal bonds. Even though humans can't seem to stop hurting each other, we seek each other out. We never stop searching for the good people, no matter how many bad people we encounter.

But overcoming ourselves, loving ourselves unconditionally... this is so much harder to accomplish. Our own self-loathing and criticism is an unbearable force. Weighing so heavily upon our lives that we struggle to accept ourselves the way we accept others. We are never quite good enough for ourselves.

Just need to lose a few more pounds.

Just need these muscles to be a bit bigger.

Just need my face to look a bit prettier.

Just need to be making a bit more money.

Just need to be a little less like me and a little more like someone else.

Just need one more little thing before I can truly love myself.

Why is it so easy to accept the flaws - the human fallibility - of others??

...I only find a short respite in my exercises and meditations, and am as remote from wisdom, from salvation, as a child in the womb.