More about the 3 lenses – the intra-personal lens

Hayleigh, almost 4 now, has a particular book that is a favorite of hers – one that I often read to her. The title of the book is The Great Me. Fundamentally, in simple language, the book talks about the little me and the Great Me.

The little me is self-serving, mostly into immediate gratification – resulting in behavior that separates me from my innate goodness, from feeling the love of others, and from knowing that I have a valid contribution to make. The Great Me takes the longer view, making choices that are congruent with who I am when I am at my best – standing in the truth that is known to me at the time, without either caving in or bristling up. It's a stand for trusting myself and my destiny – knowing that I don't know the outcome, but faithing that each step brings me closer to my destiny, whatever it is.

Taking an accurate read on the intra-personal lens is to be awake to the dynamic between the little me and the Great Me – which *me* gets air-time, in which circumstances. It seems to me that spiritual maturity acknowledges my little me, giving it expression – writing about it, talking about it, dramatizing it with humor – making sure that I am in control of that expression. It wants expression, not suppression. One of the things I most value about the The More To Life Program is the variety of processes which focuses the expression of my little me in healthy, life-affirming ways, which ultimately refines and solidifies my Great Me.

Personally, the more I deny, avoid, or suppress my little me, the more furtive power it seems to gain, then it either leaks out or takes over completely – for which I then feel embarrassed. And in truth, acting out is a betrayal of my Great Me. My Great Me, however, is completely compassionate, using the experience to strengthen my commitment to my Great Me (when I am acting spiritually mature).

I'm in Mexico City today, doing one-to-one interviews. The Great Me was totally engaged, focused, and open. Then one person said something that the little me judged as completely wacky. However, this time, my Great Me re-engaged quickly, and I was able to ask questions that would help me understand this person's point of view. When William Holt (my business partner) asked Adriana Holt and me what we were most proud of for the day, I shared about that moment – when I didn't say, "You've got to be kidding!" I did ask, "How do you see that?"

Now if I could just do that more often! And especially with people I love!

What are YOU proud of today?