Use Your Own Map

Comparing oneself to others is like driving down a road trying to find your way while using a map from another city.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian 

We have all had experiences of comparing ourselves to others. We wonder why they have something we don't have, why they have accomplished something we haven't, or even thinking that they must be better meditators than we are. Yogacharya is telling us that we are all unique, with different ways of living our lives. Comparing ourselves to others isn't useful because we each have our own characteristics and our own experiences that shape us into who we are. We only cause ourselves suffering when we compare. We can't live someone else's life. We can't get to our goal using someone else's map. Our goal should be to live our lives as the best person we can be, in the highest way, using our own unique gifts and talents. Our meditation practice quiets our minds and allows us to experience the fullness of who we uniquely are, allowing us to then offer that out into the world with grace, joy and love.