FACING TWO WAYS

Walking the way we talk. When we espouse one thing but act contrary to our words not only does it make us look untrustworthy to the world but sets up a tug of war within that in turn leads to all manner of spiritual disease and a seeming disconnect from reality. Wishing to be happy but seeding unhappiness, wanting to be loved but unwilling to demonstrate love, demanding respect while being disrespectful, holding truth and fairness as essential while speaking falsely and treating others unfairly are all examples of spiritual disease. These are gross examples, easily identifiable and addressed if the individual wishes to change in truth and if they do not, we see them for what they are and turn in prayer to assist them.

Then there are the more subtle forms of condescension and self-aggrandizement couched in seemingly well-intended comments and actions. One of which, which I found particularly painful was “But for the grace of God go I”. Does this mean there are those beyond God’s grace? That I am “chosen” in some way, greater in God‘s sight than another? When the truth of the preceding hit me, for I had said it and used it many times, I became physically ill and upset. I wrestled with it, looking for a loop hole to crawl through, but they all ended in the same place, condescension and that ever subtle “better than” sense.

Wayne Dyer suggests we “think from the end”. He had not put the concept in print yet when I applied the lesson to the above, but that in essence is what happened. I am grateful today for having my eyes opened, not so much at the time. Stay aware; never be afraid of questioning or re-examining even long held beliefs or positions. “The truth will set you free” is true whether we have been on the path a few months or most of our lives. When we first embark, in truth, on the path of Living on the Spiritual Basis we are confronted with large easily recognizable defects and shortcomings. As time flows by the impediments to spiritual growth become smaller, less pronounced, often obscured with a layer of misunderstanding masquerading as truth, which require greater vision to see. The natural response is to work harder, dig deeper and faster to ferret these things out. The problem is our vision is not sufficiently refined to recognize them, so contrary action is called for.

Relax, take it easy. Hard work in this area only makes the work harder. Continue to pray and meditate daily, asking to be shown the way of patience, tolerance, kindness and love. In natural course, the things hidden will become visible and can be addressed in spiritual light. Again, we do not work on them; Divine Consciousness makes them visible and when we are ready, removes them. Our part is to remain willing, willing to go to any lengths to be spiritual awake. Today we find ourselves with the wind at our back most of the time, but if for some reason you discover you are facing the wrong way, trust in Divine Mind to change your direction back; lesson learned, to the true path.