wise words, invincible. I, too, have found this to be a good approach when dealing w/the negativity that permeates our mainstream media-oriented culture. Young children often say and do things that are very hurtful to their peers in what I call random acts of meanness. Offering children (of any age) a perspective which allows him/her to remove himself from the negative comments, images, and perspectives that others lay on them is to do them a great service. (I apologize for the lack of pronoun alignment but hopefully you get the gist.)

The other point you make has also been my observation throughout life. Often the people who are most critical of others are extremely hard on themselves. Once we learn to accept our own shortcomings and censor the voice inside ourselves that delivers searing judgments, we find that we can accept the shortcomings of others with more patience and understanding.

I wld also like to add that I believe it is helpful to cultivate a perspective that "allows" others to change. If one expects a certain person to be disapproving of one, that person is usually more than happy to accomodate your perspective. When we visualize others as evolving and/or whole, when we can learn not to "reflect" back another's shortcomings, we begin to experience a world where not only ourselves have "evolved" but those around us as well.

Since applying LOA more and more effectively I noticed that I have stopped being critical about other people which has not always been the case. At the same time, I have also stopped being critical with myself. I used to be very perfectionistic about my weight and looks, and so ended up critizing that in other people. The funny thing is, since I have stopped being hard on myself, everything that is good for me to be slim, healthy and look good comes easy and I am enjoying it rather than it being something I HAD to do just because of my vanity. I also experienced inspired action by finding a couple great new things to add to my regime :-)

I LOVE LOA!!!!!!!!!

Love your insight, I just started posting (battered wives forum) -my first time doing so. I have decided to give it try as away to express my thoughts and feelings-And for some reason it feels less judgemental letting strangers in on my true thoughts then the ones closest to me. And after reading this it has opened my eyes as to my need for approval from the ones around me. Working progress!

Peace and love Lady sunshine

I am enjoying this entire thread very much and everyone's comments and sharing of experiences. Each story resonates w/my own experiences. Spiritual ideas in practice -- practical advice for helping us move, one by one, to a higher plane.

Invincible wrote:

"Unless you have a healthy view of yourself, you can never deliberately create, because you are too affected by your opinions of what you think is right and wrong and others opinions of you."

Perhaps it is an act of great courage to be oneself. It is hard to disengage from emotions one feels when others disapprove of what you do or how you have "created" your life. On the other hand, it can be quite rewarding, if after many years, you are satisfied w/yourself and happy within the context of your life.