It’s so easy to see the value of others—to see their gifts, talents, and strengths—but it can be quite difficult to see any of that in yourself. That contributes to the human tendency to fall into the comparison trap. 

Comparison is a way of rejecting yourself, and it’s one of the most destructive behaviors on this planet. Some of you may remember when I shared this story earlier this year, but it’s always a great reminder, so I’m sharing it again. 

I adapted this story from Glenn Murray (who may have adapted it from George Reavis' animal school fable, but it's hard to know the original source because it seems that everyone adapts it to fit their situations…).

This is a story about four friends: Duck, who was an excellent swimmer; Eagle, who was the best flyer in all of the land; Squirrel, who could climb anything faster than anyone; and Rabbit, who won every race he ever ran.

Duck began to feel inadequate when he spent time with Rabbit. He decided he would train to beat Rabbit in his next race, so that he could feel that he was “worth something.” In all of his training, Duck’s feet became so swollen that he could barely swim.

People told Eagle that he would be cooler if he could swim as well as Duck. At first, he ignored the comments, but after a while, it started to ware him down. One day, he’d had enough… He dove head first into the pond and discovered that he couldn’t swim at all! He sputtered and coughed his way to shore, he was humiliated, but grateful that he didn’t drown. His feathers were so wet that he could not fly for several hours until they were dry.

Squirrel desired the attention Eagle received because of his excellent flying skills, so he began jumping off the highest branches of his favorite, tallest tree in an attempt to fly. He got so beat up by the nasty falls, he could hardly climb for days.

Rabbit never quite felt like he was good enough, despite his undefeated winning streak. He wanted to be more like Squirrel, and decided to climb rocks and trees to great heights. Rabbit soon realized he couldn’t grip rocks and trees very well and took some pretty rough falls, one of which caused a deep gash in his hind leg from a broken tree branch. He was unable to race until his wound healed.

I think we can all relate to one or more of these characters. Murray sums up the moral of the story best:

“A duck is a duck and only a duck. It is built to swim and to fly a little from one lake to another. They don't run very well, and they can't climb at all. If God made you a duck, don't compare yourself to an eagle. Just swim like mad and enjoy your uniqueness… A squirrel is a squirrel and only that. It is almost unchallenged in climbing, because it was made for climbing. To expect a squirrel to swim or fly will drive that squirrel nuts.

“The moral of the story is simple. Each creature has its own abilities at which it will naturally excel, unless of course, it is expected to do something for which it wasn't designed.”

Comparison, whether self-imposed or initiated by others, brings frustration, discouragement, depression, anxiety and guilt. It creates mediocrity, failure, rejection of self, and sometimes, complete defeat. Avoid it at all costs!!

Just remember that you are you. And you have been blessed with gifts, talents, and abilities individual to you. Concentrate on developing those gifts and accepting yourself for who you are. This will help you find true joy and success as you endeavor to help others on your journey.

If you’ve ever fallen into the comparison trap, and/or don’t recognize your own self-worth, there is a dose of enlightenment below.

Love from Jac

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Since we promised to treat you to an extra dose of light in your inbox, we include a Dose of Enlightenment for you at the end of each newsletter. We value your agency, so it’s up to you whether or not you receive it!

This Dose of Enlightenment is a frequency equation meant to clear a hidden and trapped emotion that you’ve been holding onto. 

If today's emotion is one that we have already cleared, know that we are addressing a different layer or situation this time.

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Today’s emotion is: not accepting self

How does this emotion apply to you? For best results, ponder this question and identify how not accepting self applies to you.

Dose of Enlightenment: 79 + 921 = E

Say it out loud with intent: “seventy-nine plus nine-twenty-one equals enlightenment.”

Breathe. Let it go. Feel the shift. Allow your body to be filled with light.

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The Doses of Enlightenment come from the M: Collaborations with the Divine Doctor book by Jaclyn Taylor. If you haven’t picked up a copy yet and want to learn more about how this works, you can get one here: 

https://intrinsicallyawaken.com

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Feel free to send us a message at hello@enso-ia.com. We would love to hear from you!

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Every decision you make brings you closer to—or farther away from—the Light. We will meet you at the Light! 
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