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liberated from the burdens of error, repentant of our
mistakes, and painted in warmer, more inviting colors
of the soul. People with which we interact are aware
of this disposition and are drawn to it. Unladen, we
make great strides in self-improvement—markedly
so—and this too is recognized by our associations.
People are drawn to Light, and when we apply
Caritas to ourselves, we can glow.
How To Apply Self Charity

A simple concept, Self Charity, yet many struggle
against their own minds when attempting to engage
in the practice. Dr. Robert Enright, Ph.D., wrote, “Self-
forgiveness is not quite the same as forgiving other
people, although both have common features. When Rosebud School District #1’s 7-12th grade science class was
forgiving others, you struggle to be good to those who awarded a 2020 grant. is will enable them to update hot plates,
are not good to you. When you self-forgive, you o er, thermometers, pipettes, 4 lab stools, dissection tools, and especially
expired and outdated chemicals.
perhaps for the rst time in years, a love for the self
even though you let yourself down by your actions.” Adults in Middle Row L to R: Representing the MMF - Marty
Reierson, Sagebrush District O cer, Science Teacher Ms. Stephanie
Farmer and Robert Engle, of Hiram Lodge #52.
at’s the rst step; you must forgive yourself, and
this could very well be a daily or even hourly process.
Obviously, this is an exercise in and of itself, and there
are many books, Ted Talks, and podcasts that cover
various methodologies. Compiling information from
these di erent sources results in the following:
1. Two of the greatest enemies of growth and change
are arrogance and ignorance. Zen Buddhists have a
great proverb that illustrates this: “Face reality and
e ortless change will take place.”

2. Be intrigued by your behavior, emotions,
thoughts, and beliefs. Be detectives who explore
the mystery of the self. One Ted Talk suggests, when
the inner critic starts pounding away, know that
your inner nurturer is a refuge and an ally. Observe
and note the way that your inner critic behaves and
chart courses that lead you around those reefs to the
safe harbor of your inner nurturer. You must be the
Jane Goodall in your own mind. Make a record of
your responses and behaviors, don’t run from them,
don’t hide them. You will only overcome through
the application of a scienti c remedy that nurtures
your soul, and you can only achieve this through a
scienti c process.

3. Talk to yourself and about yourself, the way you
talk to someone you care about. Inner monologues Hawthorne Elementary was awarded $425.25 in 2020 for the
happen all the time. Take control of the monologue, purchase of a metallophone for music curriculum from the MMF.
Additionally, Tamara Ashley received $179.97 on behalf of Jim
remove the inner critic from the driver’s seat. Try Darcy Elementary for the purchase of music room stools.
regarding your inner critic as something that lacks Pictured: music teacher Tamara Ashley and Sam Whitehead Rocky
credibility—imagine it as a ridiculous character, like Mountain District O cer presenting the check on behalf of the
a silly cartoon villain. Argue against your inner critic MMF!
to win.
Montana Freemason Page 11 April/May 2020 Volume 96 No.3