You must have high respect for someone in your life. Who is that person? It could be your father, wife, guru, teacher, sister, friend or your boss. It could be anyone. Imagine that person in your mind and ask yourself how respectful you feel. When I think of my guru, for instance, I have a feeling of respect that can be expressed in terms of faith, belief, humility, comfort and peace. I feel like folding my hands in front him and seeking his wishes. I feel like wanting to hold him very high respect. Don't mistake this to be a blind faith. Instantly, I feel as if goodness envelopes me in totality. His image makes me feel complete and a feeling of 'desirelessness' and a fulfillment fills me up.

Now, what is the feeling you get when you see yourself in a mirror? Do you respect that person in front of the mirror? Do you feel like holding your hands together and wishing him well. Does he make you feel good about yourself? Does he make you want to become a better human being? Do you feel like acting responsibly from now for his sake? Do you feel like wanting to do good to others like how he does good to you?

Such is self-respect. Perhaps a new definition indeed. But, I can't seem to remember that I am the proud owner of the soul inside. I only feel that this birth is a happy responsibility to fulfill my duties by the soul inside this body. My guru is truly inside me as yours is inside you. Can you feel Him?

When you feel the teacher inside you and stay with him every second of your wakeful time, you have taken the first step towards realizing your true self.

Practice it. Look into a mirror and start showing respect to the face. Smile at him with utmost respect you can muster. It may seem to be an imagination to begin with. Slowly but surely you shall begin to develop the all important self-respect that is paramount to your inner peace. This is what separates you from your eternal bliss.

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I Am New,
Krish Murali Eswar.
Picture Courtesy: Ian Burt