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InnerSelf's Daily Inspiration
March 31, 2026
The Pathway to Integrated Living
— Daily reminders for a conscious, connected life —
Growing up on a farm in Northern Canada, the door was never locked — even when the family was gone for a whole weekend. Then one day, her father started locking the door at night. "Why?" she asked. "You never know what could happen..." This change in perception came after acquiring a television. After seeing examples of violence and negativity on TV, her father projected that into their reality and became fearful, stopped trusting they were safe. But she also remembered something else from childhood: a motherless kitten suckling side by side with puppies at the breast of their family dog. That definitely changed her perception of reality. She saw that everything is possible — from the cat suckling at the breast of a dog, to the lion and lamb laying down side by side in peace.
The focus for today is:
The possibility of all beings living peacefully side by side in harmony exists, as does the possibility of violence and theft. The importance lies in changing our perception, and changing the indoctrination that the youth receive while growing up.
Today's message is inspired by Marie T. Russell, founder of InnerSelf Magazine
Marie reminds us that the lamb has always been seen as weak — the one who followed innocently, who had to be carried to nourishment and shelter. The lion has always been seen as powerful, the one to be feared. Yet she also remembered the lion who had been tamed in "Born Free" — they seemed like such cuddly animals. We're told cats and dogs don't get along, but she saw them nursing side by side. As she writes: "When you learn that all beings are your friends, you see no need to lock doors and put up barriers of defense or attack whether in your heart or in your house." Today's invitation is radical: notice where you've locked a door in your heart. What if the threat isn't as real as the TV makes it seem? What if the world is actually friendlier than your fear suggests?
CONTINUE READING the complete article here:
Transforming Perception: From Fear to Harmony
Author: Marie T. Russell
A Reminder:
The possibility of all beings living peacefully side by side in harmony exists, as does the possibility of violence and theft. The importance lies in changing our perception, and changing the indoctrination that the youth receive while growing up.
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RELATED BOOK: Ethics for the New Millennium
In a difficult, uncertain time, it takes a person of great courage, such as the Dalai Lama, to give us hope. Regardless of the violence and cynicism we see on television and read about in the news, there is an argument to be made for basic human goodness. The number of people who spend their lives engaged in violence and dishonesty is tiny compared to the vast majority who would wish others only well. Ethics for the New Millennium presents a moral system based on universal rather than religious principles. Its ultimate goal is happiness for every individual, irrespective of religious beliefs.
Important: Use the book purchase link from the InnerSelf article page — not a generic Amazon or publisher link — to ensure affiliate credit and proper tracking.
For more info and/or to order this book, click here. Also available as a Kindle edition and Audiobook.
About the Author
Marie T. Russell is the founder of InnerSelf Magazine (founded 1985). She also produced and hosted a weekly South Florida radio broadcast, Inner Power, from 1992-1995 which focused on themes such as self-esteem, personal growth, and well-being. Her articles focus on transformation and reconnecting with our own inner source of joy and creativity.
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