It’s too easy to stop caring about what others say or think. It’s avoidance born out of fear of what they may reveal about us. It’s not a sign of security, but a sign of insecurity.

A secure mind cares about what others think. It is compassionate towards another’s point of view. It is willing to listen. It is always open to being wrong.

Yet, it isn’t affected by what others think, for ultimately it decides what’s true for itself, on its own terms. It thinks for itself, it deeply observes, and discerns right from wrong. It uses what others say to aid its decision making process. It doesn’t accept or deny immediately. It is not defensive.

If there is truth in their words, it accepts them. If there is untruth, it rejects them. It is able to care, and yet remain unaffected by what is said by others.

- findingawareness -