Do you pay much attention to what others think of you?

There was a time in my life when the vast majority of my energy and focus went into a concern about what other people thought of me.  I'm not sure that a great many people associate a hyper ego problem with people who are suffering low self esteem.  But, that shoe fits.  It is an all consuming relationship with the perceptions that you fear.  It is ego based.  And it invites a steady diet of suffering.

I think it is the reason the tenant of non-attachment is such a strong and powerful tool.  It is not about being detached.... it is about being non-attached to the identification of things outside you that would define you and keep you from being present in the moment.

After a considerable amount of work and attention, I would say that I do not pay all that much attention to what others think of me.  It is interesting to me when it comes up and those moments tend to be more associated with what I perceive to be a safety issue.  (I care about what others think of my work, etc.)

Finding a pathway to let go of the fear that held me hostage most of my life was a stellar moment, and it doesn't end.  The fear is gone.  I feel free.  I am enthralled with the moment I am living in.  And..... I care very little what other people think of me.