Contempt Prior to Investigation

Mornin'

I experienced something yesterday that I believe is quite common in society today. It was something so seemingly insignificant but profound nonetheless. I misplaced a pair of gloves and when I returned to the location at which I believed I had left them, they were gone. I automatically assumed one of the people at that location took the gloves. I had a few choice words with the group and went on my way. Later that day, I discovered the gloves in another location; the location at which I dropped them. I felt so ashamed and embarrassed by assuming that someone stole the gloves and giving the group an earful.

I behave in this fashion from time to time and am usually always wrong with my accusations. I may perform silently - in my mind - or physically in something I say or do. Regardless, it is not only wrong but unfair as well. I would not like anyone else to accuse me of something when I did not do what I am accused of. I think that is where the embarrassment and shame come into the picture.

Contempt prior to investigation does the most damage in my mind. I may assume someone or something is a certain way with certain motives just by the way they look or for a myriad of other reasons. It does not happen too often anymore but it happens. This not only blocks potential friends ans support for my journey, but this behavior also gives me a poor reputation.

I believe this type of behavior affects more people than we think and is the root of more interpersonal problems than any of us care to admit. My challenge to myself and to all of you is to be mindful of how we think. I know I need to trust that goodness is more prevalent than I may think at times. My mission is to be okay regardless or what happens around me. I am always the captain of my vessel and it is my responsibility to process any thoughts, regardless of toxicity, correctly so I can draw the most reasonable conclusions. This will allow me to live more peacefully among my fellow human beings.

The interesting things about this topic is that I really don't have to worry about what other say or do because when it is all said and done, I believe in Karma and that people who have malicious intent will receive negative consequences in return. I have seen it time and time again both in my life and the lives of people around me. My concern is my side of the street but that doesn't mean I will not regress at times. Those times are the moments in which I am jolted back to reality and reminded that I may have made progress on my journey but there is still plenty of work to do.

Peace