Are you comfortable with silence? Some people are not, and volunteer to prevent any periods of silence. Do you enjoy the company of such people? The multitude of words used to prevent silence can be wearisome. Do you speak because you have something to say, or because you have to say something? Let your words be full of intention and purpose, and they will be full of meaning. This is a case where less is more, and a few of the right words will carry more weight than the right words mixed with excess words. Are you familiar with the idea of ‘letting it sink in’?

Do you value authenticity? You see ethnic restaurants that claim to serve authentic food, but most people prefer their food with a foreign theme adapted to the tastes of their culture. Do Americans eat more cheese on their ‘Mexican’ and ‘Italian’ food than Mexicans and Italians do? But this is just a matter of taste. Authenticity is a more important concept when it comes to people. The concept is the same in being true to the original. Do you live and express your true self; your unique spirituality identity, rather than maintaining an image? This is not just a matter of taste.

You are familiar with the idea of applying for a job. You are happy if you get one you want. Not everyone is able to find the job they want, but I give gifts to everyone. But finding the gift I give you is not the same as applying for a job. You can train to fill the position you desire, but gifts from me are discerned, recognized, and called forth. There are many jobs you could do successfully, but my gifts are more unique and inherent. They are a part of your identity. What do you feel driven to do, that you would do without payment or recognition?

Do you understand that you should not be envious of others? This is being resentful of their blessings and wishing that you could have them for yourself. Is there a virtue that corresponds to envy? You could express vicarious joy at the blessings that others receive without being resentful that they are not yours. This requires you to take a perspective larger than your own self-interest, but doing so provides you with so many benefits in life.