The most basic relationship in life is a relationship to one’s self.
The most basic choice in life is choosing to relate to one’s self.
Am I able to step back and ask: What am I doing and saying and what do I think about my actions, my communication and my attitudes?
The ability to take a step back and see ourselves objectively requires taking a bird’s eye view of our character traits and ways of being in the world. The Maimonidean “middle path” has an apex at the midpoint between two extremes where consciousness resides and serves as a meta-view of self (Pirkei Kinyan Da’at p. 75).
The process that allows for this self-relating starts by quieting down the noise of internal and external conflicts and confusion so that we can find a quiet space within.
From that place of inner peace and quiet we can be attentive to what is and alert to the possibilities of what can be.
From a state of attentiveness we can access our will. What do we want deep down?
Having attained inner peace, attentiveness and will we can move through the world with purpose and intentionality and stand authentically behind our words and actions.