Don't Side With Yourself

 I think 'don't side with yourself' means to not cling to a judgment, and instead stay open to what is and side with truth.  As the Buddhists say, "Always have the beginner's mind."  The author says wisdom opens us to the experience of selflessness.  I put the emphasis the other way around, ie, selflessness opens us to wisdom.  An example of my seeing through my own conditioning is when I saw through my conditioned anger and realized that anger is not a necessary emotion.  I can disagree, object, assert, refuse without becoming angry.  My feelings of self-rightousness sneak up on me, and transcending such feelings is more difficult.  What helps me see my feelings with mindfulness is learning to be mindful, that is, learning to pay attention, be aware, be present, be open, not attach to any one feeling, and stay away from trying to control outcome.

 I stay away from people who tend  to routinely side with themselves!  Why?  Their arguments for thinking in a certain way are set in stone and are non negotiable ... so there is no point in entering into a conversation with them because they are always right and usually not interested in listening to my lowly and incorrect "side" anyhow!  (For this reason I am best friends with God my Father!  He listens to me everyday!  In Him, I am heard!  Even not taking my side, He remains fathfully, at my side.  Taking care of me!