Mastery Blog# 4

         On the path to mastery, erase any resentment you have towards masters.  Develop compassion for yourself so that you can be in the presence of masters and grow from the experience.  Rather than comparing yourself and resenting people who have mastery, remain open and receptive.

        We all have Egos, it is apart of the human experience, human consciousness.  Our Egos are our sense of self, and is what makes us unique.  Ego is not a bad thing, however, Ego can get in our way.  It likes to be the driver, where as masters are the one's steering; not to overcontrol, but to harmonize.

        "Comparison is the thief of joy" - US President Theodore Roosevelt.  I would also add that comparison leads to jealousy and resentment.  Again, it is Ego that compares, Ego that resents.  When we are in the presence of Masters, we can be in awe of them and at the same time harbor resentment.  We all act as mirrors to each other, and it can show us our greatest strengths and virtues, but it can also show us our weaknesses and faults.  On the path to Mastery we often lose perspective.  We lose perspective of where we started and how far we've come, we lose perspective of those around us and the struggles they've endured to attain mastery, and we lose perspective of our why and how our why has changed.  

        When striving for Mastery we seek out Masters, and yet we don't always allow ourselves to be teachable.  Masters are all around us, in all shapes, sizes, age, rank, and ability.  Yet, we all have an idea of what a Master and Mastery is.  We narrow our vision and blind ourselves to the possibilities.  A master can present as a 5th degree black belt, but mastery can be found in a white belt.  Recognize the difference between a Master and Mastery.  Control your ego and allow yourself to be teachable, and recognize that mastery is all around you, and that everyone has something to teach you, not just your Masters.  Make your own mistakes, but also seek out those who can help you avoid them.

        Recognize that on the road to Mastery that you are going to fail, a lot.  It is unavoidable and inevitable.  Masters have failed more times than someone who hasn't achieved mastery.  So be kind to yourself, for just because you're not where you want to be, does not mean you won't get there.  There is no expiration date to mastery, but there is limited time.  As long as you continually strive for mastery in your life, you will achieve great things.  Lastly, recognize that even though we have Masters, mastery is a journey for life, and not a one-time end goal.  Our bodies change, our goals change, or values and the way we think changes, and so too does the way mastery looks.