What does “take the high road” mean?
Taking the high road means doing the right thing even if it’s not popular or easy.
We are essentially the collective sum of our thoughts, choices, and actions.
This is good news because this means we are fully responsible for who we become. This is also bad news for those of you who are stuck in life and want to blame someone else for it.
The code of ethics we adopt, and what we stand for give us a foundation from which we can operate in the world, for better or worse. Taking the high road is a state of be-ing to strive for, but no one does it perfectly.
One of my favorite sayings on the topic of ethics is: “Always take the high road, there’s a lot less traffic there.”
That said, it’s easier to take the high road when you like/love yourself in the first place.
It’s not always easy to take the high road.
On top of that, we usually don’t get credit for taking the high road.
This isn’t about looking good to others, there is something spiritually sound about taking the high road and standing on a solid foundation of ethics.
When we deviate from this higher path, it is to avoid some form discomfort or to gain something positive out of a situation. Or both.
I don’t know about you, but when I’m faced with someone screwing me over, I don’t always feel like taking the high road.
How dare they disrespect me?
Don’t they know who I think I am?
Ultimately, it’s not about my thoughts…it’s about my actions.
Although taking the low road can feel good momentarily, it’s never a good thing in the long run.
I have to remind myself that it is perfectly natural to be upset when someone does me wrong. And many times, they don’t even mean to, or I misinterpreted the situation altogether.
This is where meditation can come in and save the day.
My meditation practice carries into my daily life and allows me to take a deep breath … and go within, to a place of inner stillness and ask “Did this person intentionally try to hurt me?” or “What else could this mean?”
I can simply observe my thoughts from a non-judgmental vantage point, and allow the second (or third) thought to enter my mind which have a more clear and objective solution to the problem.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that I will feel good right away. Sometimes it takes a little time for the process to reward my senses, but without fail, I feel internally stronger. I feel more centered and grounded. From here I can make better choices.
If you at least make an effort to take the high road, to do the next “right” thing, you will end up ahead of the game.