“It was an important reminder not to cast anyone out of our hearts, for in the process we are casting out ourselves. If we feel affected by someone being dismissive, critical or hurtful, it is invariably because there is a hook in us for that negativity to grab hold of, a place where it can land and trigger all our hidden feelings of unworthiness, insecurity, and self-doubt.” – Ed and Deb Shapiro

This is from an article titled “Don’t Put Anyone out of Your Heart” from Huffington Post today. It hits home so personally for me TODAY that I don’t even want to share my story, I just want to share the article. It is VERY powerful and I truly hope that all of you take the time to read the link attached to the picture below. To fully understand the meaning, you need to read the article.

Just remember, when someone seems like they are being dismissive, critical or hurtful, it’s because what they have said or done is hitting hidden feelings of your own allowing them to be intensified, causing these negative reactions and exposing insecurities, self-doubt or some other ignored emotions.

“Metta asks that we stay caring, that we keep our heart open to the situation we are struggling with and all the accompanying annoyance and anger, and hold ourselves with gentle tenderness. Then, amazing change is possible.”