Do you have 'Comparinoia'?

       "You yourself, more than anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection." ~ Buddha   

Do you ever compare yourself to others? Is 'Comparinoia' tweaking your self-esteem?

Making comparisons is a sure fire way to create our own needless suffering. Whether we use comparison to inflate or deflate our sense of self, neither feels good. We label others "better than" and our very judgment causes our head to drop, we feel shame or guilt. Aren't we supposed to be 'good enough' as we are?  

If we look at others through our "less than" lens, we may puff up for a bit, yet some part of us registers that our arrogant nature has gotten the best of us. This doesn't feel good either.

Being in a group, sitting with a friend or watching TV, brings this habit to the forefront. 'Comparinoia' is a mind pattern that creates separation from others, while also separating us from our own heart. When this insidious habit takes a hold of us, we don't settle in to appreciate our uniqueness, our own special ray of light. We evaluate ourselves instead of valuing ourselves.

Imagine thinking a fish is better than a giraffe because it swims in a water habitat. Or, a peacock is more valuable than a sparrow because his feathers are bigger and brighter. While we do have our preferences, it works to see the unique beauty in all things without using the mind of comparison.

If you want to Raise Your State, consider appreciating the different fragrance of everyone and everything . To include your own special fragrance. Each time you notice yourself inflating or deflating someone or yourself, stop and note you can do this differently. You can notice the unique and special ways people act, dress, live and express themselves. The best remedy for this annoying habit is to truly honor what is special and unique about you.