Baba says, “Continue to turn the beads of each point of self-respect and become absorbed in that self-respect.”

Only those who have self-respect receive respect from others. Unless I respect myself, I cannot expect others to respect me either. When there isn’t self-respect, there is fear – of being wrong, of being ridiculed or controlled. Then, I cling on to my achievements or opinions as a way to protect my image. I often become defensive when provided feedback, my eyes start to narrow when someone questions or critiques my idea and I become jealous when someone else, whom I perceive as more skilled or talented, comes along. This is what arrogance looks like- it stems from fear and insecurity which in turn is a result of body consciousness.

Baba says, “Where there is self-respect, there cannot be arrogance.“

Arrogance shows itself in as that cutting remark that is passed off as humor, or in that dismissive roll of the eyes when someone is being slow, or in that need to show off just how ‘put together’ we are. If we don’t discern carefully, we might even admire such a person in those confident sounding social media posts or after hearing them deliver a great lecture – “If only I had that kind of self-confidence…”In a body conscious world, unfortunately, we glorify posturing and devalue humility. We mistake dominance for strength and charm for confidence. We reward the loudest voice in the room thinking that they must be the most secure. But reality is the exact opposite. An arrogant person is traumatized on the inside; instead of peace, they feel terrified. Beneath the tough exterior are a set of defense mechanisms that hide experiences of rejection or of being betrayed – experiences they don’t ever want anyone to see or to have repeated in their lives. They don’t believe they’re good enough and fear that everyone will soon call their bluff. They constantly put on a performance to feel and be seen as important.

Self-respect, on the other hand, breeds a quiet confidence that doesn’t feel the need to fit in or belong- they already know they belong in the unlimited drama of the world, that they have a unique role to play that no one else can. So, they don’t waste time comparing themselves with or competing against anyone else. They remain aware of their abilities – owning both their strengths and weaknesses with equal grace. They trust their own judgment and are open to collaboration and feedback. They don’t intimidate or perform their way through meetings or social gatherings. They remain comfortable in their skin, they appear grounded, calm and ready.

God says, “Renounce body consciousness. It is the root of all sorrow.” When I forget that I am a pure, deity soul, the child of God Himself, and think of myself merely as a body, I instantly devalue myself. I think of myself merely as temporary things – name, gender, nationality, role, title, status, achievements etc., things which, by definition, will change. That’s when fear creeps in and steals my joy and contentment. God comes and reminds me on day 1 that I am a soul, not the body. As His child, every one of His praises is my praise, I have all of His virtues and powers. Sure, I might not feel adequate or qualified or anywhere close to being an elevated deity, but I live by faith, not by feelings. God is Truth and He is telling me of all the things that I am- am I going to listen to Him or go by how I feel or by how the world judges me?

“I come to change you from a beggar to a prince“, He says. That’s the full inheritance. Let me claim it. Arrogance, fear, insecurities- all manifestations of body consciousness- makes me into a beggar. The Father comes not just to pull me out of the pits I’ve fallen into, but He returns me to my honor and dignity. “Remember Me alone, listen to only what I say“, He instructs. And He shows us by example. If God were body conscious, He might be gripped in fear too wondering: “How come these children don’t get what I say even after I’ve said it a hundred times…maybe I’m not a good teacher..”, “how come it’s taking so long, maybe I no good at this after all…”, “maybe I’m not God after all…maybe this is all a myth”, “how come those false gods are getting all the attention, maybe I ought to do a few photo ops, perform a few miracles…that’ll teach them whose really God…” But He never doubts Himself nor does He doubt me…even for a second. It’s visible in the clear and compassionate manner in which He gives His own introduction: “I am the Purifier…, I am the Creator…,I am the Father…, I am the Liberator..” It’s always “I am…”, never “maybe…” or “what if…” and He has that same confidence in me- you are the same child from the previous cycle, you’ve been victorious countless times and you will be again. Let me recognize and realize the self through the Father, shed the false armor of arrogance and put on the beautiful garment of self-respect. It’s all I need, returning to it is what spirituality is all about.