A conundrum

Isn't "love thy neighbor as thyself" really just another way to word the Golden Rule? Treat others as you wish to be treated.

So, to me it would follow that when I don't love or like myself very much, I it might come out in the way I speak or behave around others. If they choose to let my words or actions bother them, then I guess I become the root cause creating a problem for them.

On the other hand, if they choose not to let my words or actions bother them, then I haven't created a problem for them.

Spiritually, I believe in treating others as I would want to be treated. I know I have accepted and honored that principle even during times I have not liked myself very much. In times I did not like myself very much, I recognize I may be incapable of loving my neighbor to the degree that is beneficial to either of us.

I agree with treating others as we wish to be treated - however - we are humans - and we cant/dont always do as we should - there are times when we do less than we can because of other factors - and this is all part of being human - the thing to remember is that you can do better next time

If i took it literally - love thy neighbour as thyself - they would be in a whole heap of trouble - maybe in my world - its love thy neighbour as you would like to love yourself? I think that ties in wiht treating others as you would like to be treated - wiht dignity - respect - and lots of hugs in my case (virtual hugs that is )

((((((anotherlightseeker)))))) sharing is what this place is for my friend

I only read the original post in this thread.But,what went through my mind,was that a different way of viewing that is to say "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." It makes more sense to me that way.But,as ever Byz,I love to see the wheels of your thought process turn.You make people think.That is so valuable .

And Byz,as a human with so much exterior input from the concerns and frustrations the world can provide,all we can do is continue trying to move forward just centimeters at times,toward our ideals.We simply can't be perfect.Just loving ourselves feels impossible.And,lets face it,some of our fellow travelers don't make it easy to love them lol.

only if they choose to accept the problem, imho.

also, how does one stay healthy in an unhealthy relationship? answer-keeping a healthy distance.

I enjoyed this contribution madisgram.

i'm finding that the best way to avoid hurting my neighbor, is to work on myself ~ to move towards the light and truth...and learn how to give, and receive, love. and what if my neighbor is mean to me? well, as Mother Teresa says "it's not about them anyway, it's between you and 'God' " (whoever/whatever you perceive 'him' to be)

each day i begin anew, reaffirming the direction i'm going in and, through faith (each person has their own perception of faith ~ and spirituality) continue undaunted, wherever the road takes me. i don't turn away from the truth much anymore. and i try to become the person i want to be, no matter how hard it is.

there's a saying: "life isn't about finding yourself, life is about creating yourself"

if we create a monster within, we'll destroy ourselves and those around us. if we create a caring, loving person, we will pass that along as well.

it's a process, i'm discovering. nobody's perfect, there are bad days and good days. i think that if my neighbor knows that too, and if they are on a journey to truth too, we will form a bond of humanity, support each other on our individual paths, and make the neighborhood a good place to live.