As you recognize that you already own the wholeness you seek, and no one outside you can give you more than you already are, dysfunctional situations will evaporate like bad dreams exposed to the morning sun.
Alan CohenRead
Communication is an offering. When you tell someone your truth, you must release your expectation of what the other person should do with it. They may thank you profusely, love you forever, argue with you, or ignore you. It doesn't matter. Of course we hope the gift will be received with appreciation and thanks. But if it isn't we must not dictate. We've done our part, and we must trust the universe to do the rest.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that sharing your truth should be done without expecting a specific response from others.
In this quote, Alan Cohen highlights the essence of genuine communication, suggesting that when we share our honest feelings or truths with others, we must let go of any expectations regarding their reactions. True communication is akin to giving a gift: while we hope it will be received positively, we should not impose conditions on how it should be accepted. It illustrates the importance of authenticity in relationships and encourages trust in the unfolding of human interactions.
Themes
CommunicationTruthExpectationsAuthenticityTrust
In practice
Example use cases
In a workshop about effective communication, this quote can illustrate the importance of sharing personal truths.
More from Alan Cohen
All quotes →When you learn to say yes to yourself, you will be able to say no to others, with love.
Alan CohenRead
We attain freedom as we let go of whatever does not reflect our magnificence. A bird cannot fly high or far with a stone tied to its back. But release the impediment, and we are free to soar to unprecedented heights.
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You can be helping many people, but if you are not helping yourself, you have missed the one person you were born to heal.
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When you protect yourself from pain, be sure you do not protect yourself from love.
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Enlightenment does not ask you to be perfect; it simply asks you to find perfection right where you stand.
Alan CohenRead
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