In Greek mythology, Procrustes the son on Poseidon, invited travelers to spend the night, offering them his hospitality. “However, as soon as the travelers were in his house, Procrustes would tie them to an iron bed. If they were shorter than the bed, he would stretch them on a rack until they were as long as the bed. If the guests were taller than the bed, Procrustes would cut off their legs until they fit. In either case, his victims died.” (Myth Encyclopedia, www.mythencyclopedia.com).
There are many paths to awakening from the dream. Like the very disturbed Procrustes, we may seek to have everyone conform to our way of perceiving. When we don’t see eye to eye with others, we tend to project guilt onto our seeming tormentor. Ironically, we become our own tormentor in these situations. When we deem ourselves judge and jury for others, it is we who suffer more than the object of our blame.
A Course in Miracles teaches that we will all awaken from our fear, albeit perhaps each on a different pathway. When a way of being has been accepted by the masses or even just by our families, that way of being may be prima facie (readily accepted as correct). In every instance we have an opportunity to reconsider our personal mythology. Using our heartmind to light our way seems to be key for many. After all, the linear mind offers us just a fraction of the truth.
Rather than have our attention out, focusing on conforming or not conforming (by-products of fear) we may choose to shift our levels of awareness by listening to the hum of each breath. At a Sundance ceremony recently, I found focusing my attention on each step as I danced to the drum offering me an opportunity to use my thoughts to transcend my thoughts and just be. A skillful cultivation of consciousness is available to us when we focus on our own journey rather than on the life journey of others.
While I don’t believe one size fits all (we’ve been in the dressing room with that ill-fitting garment before 
), we can all benefit and grow from diversity. Rather than desiring a melting pot in which one ingredient is indistinguishable from another, let’s recognize the gift of a stew wherein each ingredient compliments and glorifies the adjacent ingredient.
If we can open our hearts big enough to encompass all others we can create a one size fits all world.
© 2010 Dr Jeanine Austin, Ph.D., C.H.t.
Life Coaching and Hypnosis Worldwide
http://www.SimplyDivineSolutiions.com
Tags: A Course in Miracles, Confidence, Dr. Jeanine, Hypnosis, life coaching, Marianne Williamson, Miracle Distribution Center, relationships, self confidence, Self Esteem, self love, Spiritual Coaching, well-being
