If a child lives with criticism, she learns to condemn.

If a child lives with hostility, she learns to fight.

If a child lives with ridicule, she learns to be shy.

Thanks to the Daily Om.

If you feel shy or awkward in social situations, know that many others are probably feeling the same way too.

If you‚ve ever been to a social gathering where you‚ve felt awkward and uncomfortable, chances are you are not alone.

From The Daily Om.

Our perception of humanity as a whole is, to a large extent, dualistic.

We paint people with a broad brush: some are like us, sharing our opinions and our attitudes, while others are different.

Susan notes: this useful re-centering practice is from Fitting in Is Overrated, a wonderful book by Leonard Felder (a psychologist, counselor, author and occasional contributor to my favourite publication Ode Magazine). I blogged about the book here.

When I imagine I'm a grain of sand, it's a pink one under this stunning blue sky...