Been really zeroing in on jealousy. A new student started painting...he draws better than me. Makes me feel empty -- like I'm losing myself. I watch it attentively. Jealousy has been a major source of irritation, moodiness and anger for me. It is so strong -- it must have something good about it? Please, is there a positive aspect of jealousy?

+Thank you for your perceptive reflections. But remember: That inner Self which watches your little jealous self and finds it petty is one with your fellow student's true Self. There is only one true Self. If you look at his paintings through the eyes of your true Self, you can enjoy his skill as truly being your own.

It may all sound a bit theoretical, but it works in practice. This afternoon, i made a dash for the checkout counter at the library, when a lady came from the opposite side and got there just a split second ahead of me. My enjoyment was – vicariously – even a little stronger than if i had succeeded in getting there first; it wasn't diminished, as it would otherwise have been, by my feeling sorry for her.

What is "positive" about jealousy? Well, maybe the fact that it makes your little self so miserable that you simply have to switch over to your true Self.