The Rebel

I find myself more and more, lately, in the position of the rebel. What I mean by rebel is different, most likely, than what is generally thought of. In my vision of it, the rebel is one who stands for their truth. It is not that they are rebelling against society, it is that they are standing in their own power, so aware and comfortable of who they are that society's beliefs, rules, etc. just simply do not unroot them. And that is a threat to most people. The common saying that what people don't understand, scares them...well, people are scared of the rebel because they don't understand it. The rebel is not "imprisoned" by society's ways. I'm not saying that society's ways are all bad (and I realize that that is quite a general statement), but many people don't know how to be themselves...they look to society to tell them...constantly seeking outside sources to give them validation or approval or tell them what is "right" or "wrong".

The Zen Master Osho states, "The masses don't want to be disturbed, even though they may be in misery; they are in misery, but they are accustomed to the misery. And anybody who is not miserable looks like a stranger." The rebel has the courage to be responsible for itself and to live it's truth, thus it is an upsetting force.

I've been in the position, lately, of the rebel. Even though people may not be comfortable with what I have to say, it is simply me speaking my truth. It is not me trying to be brash (and I do have to be responsible for how I communicate), it is me trying to stand in my power. And power can be very gentle, mind you. This is a foreign place for me, however. I worry that speaking my truth out of true concern, care and compassion will cause some people to react negatively to me. But, it is not my responsibility how other people choose to react.

This is a difficult lesson that may take some time to be comfortable with, but the rebel is growing stronger in me.

Love,
Aislinn