Ability To Change

      What we seek we find, what we plant and nurture will grow. Seems like a simple enough lesson, yet many ignore it. Parents, whose only focus is working, “providing”, are surprised when they find they really don’t know their children at all, or conversely the parent who orchestrates every aspect of their child’s life with little or no regard for the child’s preferences shocked when the child rebels at the first opportunity. The spouse who spends all their time away from the family incredulous when served divorce papers. The philandering spouse angered when they discover their partner is carrying on in the same manner. The alcoholic or addict who is going to straighten out, eventually.

     So what are we planting, seeking by our actions? Do our actions mirror our words? Are we trying to impress others, perhaps believing that if they think we are okay, we are? Do we spend a lot of time “selling” our side of the story, leaving out any facts that may paint us in a bad light? Have we ever employed the concept of “guilty with an explanation?” Are we surrounded by people who are quick to cosign whatever we are  selling, avoiding those who may ask uncomfortable questions or point out obvious truths? Living on the Spiritual Basis we have learned that the unexamined life leads only to futility and frustration.

     Having placed our feet on the path we are gentle with those around us who are still locked in the bondage of self. We never answer the unasked question but do share from the heart our struggles and the actions we have taken to progress, regardless of personal consequences. In truth those about us will be far more impressed by the quiet demonstration of spiritual principles through our actions than by anything we will say. To borrow from Wayne Dyer: (my thoughts added) “Never underestimate your ability to change yourself (through the application of spiritual principles) and never overestimate your ability to change others.” To fundamentally change the desire must come from within, and no matter how badly we may desire to help those around us, ultimately we are responsible for the crops planted, their tending and the harvest reaped.