“There are always challenges in life. Even if you live relatively isolated, you’ll encounter unconscious humans. So you need to welcome that because every challenge forces you to become more present.
If you want to make your body stronger, you exercise. And what is physical exercise? It’s making life difficult for the body because it suddenly has to make an enormous effort. You challenge it beyond its comfort zone, whether you force it to lift weights, run a mile, or whatever you do. So, by being challenged beyond its comfort zone, the body becomes stronger.
In the case of spiritual growth, unconscious humans are those necessary challenges for presence to emerge and intensify.
So the first thing we need to do—and this is something I’ve also learned—is to consider these unconscious humans as blessings, instead of believing they shouldn’t be heremaking our lives difficult.
They are a necessary part of this planet. The important thing is that they don’t drag you into unconsciousness.
That’s the biggest challenge: not to become reactive or more unconscious than before you were challenged.
Lets face it: if the other is angry, you get angry too; if they become confrontational, you become even more confrontational.
Reach a certain level beyond the challenge where you become more aware, more present. That is your primary spiritual practice.
Relationships, whether short-term, work-related, or family-related, if you view them this way, it will be easier for you to deal with unconscious humans. Stay present while the other is being unconscious. It’s normal to have setbacks, but continue to use relationships as your primary spiritual practice.”
Eckhart Tolle
