Seeing Our Strengths and Weaknesses

Looking deeply into yourself you may notice some strengths that you have inherited from your parents and ancestors. You are their continuation; they’ve passed these things on to you. They’re not yours alone. We don’t need to be too proud. Your fear, anger, and discrimination have also been transmitted to you by parents, ancestors, and society. We don’t need to judge. Your parents and ancestors weren’t able to transform all their shortcomings, so they have passed their difficulties on to you. Now you have a chance to transform so that you will not transmit them to your children. This way of looking at yourself and others will give rise to understanding, compassion, and a desire to transform.

Excerpt From
How to See
Thich Nhat Hanh