It’s very easy to get caught up in doing things and behaving in a way that the world expects you to. There is such a pressure upon us to conform to the majority’s wishes. But who are you? Underneath the persona and image that you present to the world, and to yourself for that matter, who are you really?

If you ever watch a young child, you can see them playing and behaving without feeling self conscious about what anyone else thinks. They act and think perfectly well for themselves. Then they begin to learn the boundaries of what is “acceptable behaviour” and when “they are being silly”. It is then that they begin to understand being self conscious and conforming to those around them. It is natural for a child to learn from older people what things are safe for them to do or not – and that is a good thing. What is perhaps not so helpful, is when those around them force them to behave in a way that doesn’t feel right or bring them joy.

Recently I was watching a film by Dr Wayne Dyer called “The Shift” (which is a brilliant film and well worth seeing). In the film, Wayne describes to a mother (who’s constantly on at her children because she’s terrified they’ll upset or annoy those around them) that he practices what is called “non interference”. He explains that each one of us has a compass within that guides us and we each need to learn how to use it to navigate through life. Children, indeed everyone, learns to use this compass at some point and does not need constant badgering and hassling from others to force them to do things the way the other person wants them to.

As we grow older our Ego Self tends to get more of a grip over us, how we behave, and who we portray to others. This is not who we really are. We are not the responsibilities or the role that we force upon ourselves. We are Beings of Divine Source having a physical experience. Deep within each of us is the loving, patient, joyful, sharing, creating, expanding, powerful, and beautiful authentic self. We are perfect. Whole. Connected.

Rather than trying to force others to do things and behave in the way we want them to because that would make us happy, better to connect with who we really are and then help others do the same. When we act from a place of centredness and connection with the Divine Source within, we understand that we are all connected and so do not try to force others to our will, or be negative towards them in any way.

Becoming and staying centred is not something that can necessarily be achieved easily over night. However, with each passing moment, with each passing breath, we can use our intention to connect with our pure and authentic selves. If we find we’re disconnected and being grouchy or irritable because someone isn’t doing what we want them to, it’s then that we can remind ourselves to take a deep breath and reconnect with the Divine Source within.

It’s all about choice and intention. Intend to connect with the Divine Source within you and it will become easier with time… to the point that you’re doing it without thinking about it. At the same time, when you’re interacting with others, intend to connect with their authentic self too. Aim to see past the illusion Ego Self and interactions can be a whole lot smoother and enjoyable.