Settling

One of the most important concepts of contemplative living is that of living in "unified relationship with oneself" because without that unity, it is impossible to achieve the balance of living "in unified relationship with God, others, and nature." I have to know myself before I can know others and become part of that wonderful sea that is humanity.
I am reminded of something from the movie Runaway Bride — the female lead, played by Julia Roberts, immediately "liked" whatever her prospective husband liked and yet had no idea what she herself liked apart from him...right down to how she liked (or didn't like) her eggs.
We have all done that to some extent so that we could fit in. But fitting in isn't about liking something because someone else does...it is realizing that we are like a huge jigsaw puzzle where each piece, with its own unique shape, has its perfect spot.
We need to understand our uniqueness so that we can embrace it and take our place "with ourself, God, others, and nature" without settling for less than we are as imperfectly, perfect creations of God.
Namaste.