Spiritual Things Matter

^{_{Photograph by Viola Jaynes}}

Perception

Looking through a grid
built by all of life’s experiences,
I see the world shaded;
somewhat clear here,
not so clear there,
but always through my formed design.

How does life look through
someone else’s framework?
Quite different, I am sure!
Somewhat clear there,
not so clear here,
but always through their very own design.

~Viola M. Jaynes

Human beings are very much like icebergs–we only see a small portion of them, and nothing of the hidden currents which drag them this way and that. ~Father David McAstocker

Fr. McAstocker goes on to say: “I fancy that we would not sit and judge our neighbor so frequently as we do, did we but ponder well over the small amount of data we possess. We perceive only the external act, but nothing of the motive activating it.”

Often I have pondered this very thought while watching many times, how incredibly judgmental people can be of other human beings who appear different from themselves. So much pain is done to others as fear of uncertainty arises in the hearts of men. Tall walls of protection are erected in an attempt to huddle with others of like mind to gain strength. From these walls, we often hurl exaggerated judgments and opinions, or even shear falsehoods. These walls of fear create distance between men and only strife and war are the end result of such behavior. This can be witnessed in our personal lives, as well as in our national and international relations.

Being keenly aware, however, that nothing can be changed unless it starts within us personally, I prefer to first try to look within. Understanding my tendency to project onto others my limited perceptions makes me realize that my judgments are sometimes false. True spiritual growth and maturity brings one to a place of willingness to lay such childish perceptions aside. This desire brings one to a place of stillness and calmness, asking God for greater awareness, greater understanding, and greater love for ourselves and our fellow man.

Indeed, we possess only a very limited view of the other person. The heart goes deep and who but God, can understand it? This is not an understanding that one gains by looking through “rose” colored glasses, however, for as a realist, as well as a dreamer, I deeply believe that a spiritual life takes work, takes hard work, and it is never ever easy.

Human beings are “masters of disguise,” having learned that practice often from early age. Authenticity and transparency often came with a great price. Consequently, we have learned to fear others. Yet, it is only as we stay true to our deepest heart’s convictions of yet a better way, and learn once more to be authentic in all of our dealings that we find meaningful and genuine relationships.

With a greater understanding of ourselves comes a greater understanding and compassion for our fellow man. With a greater desire to deeply surrender all that we are, comes a greater desire to lay aside our limited understanding of things, as well as our opinions and our pride.

Technology has risen to its heights and continues to astound us. Therefore, I believe we live in a time that the human spirit must also rise to greater heights, and to greater discernment and wisdom. It does not mean that we over look the wrong doings and self-serving motives of others. It does, however, mean, that through our devotion and love for God, we begin to gain better tools in order to handle them much more effectively. This will create a better and more compassionate, and more loving world to live in. It is within that reality that I desire to live with all men peacefully.

Forgive Me

I have feared you because I have feared myself.
I have judged you because I have judged myself.
I have hurt you because I have hurt myself.
I have mistrusted you because I have mistrusted myself.

It was only when I looked within my own heart
that I began to understand you.
It was only in my brokenness
that I began to feel your pain.
It was only in my need for greater love
that I began to love you.

Forgive me! I was blind
and therefore did not see you.
Forgive me! I was ignorant
and therefore did not understand you.
Forgive me! I was afraid of you
and therefore I hurt you.
Forgive me, as I humbly reach my hand to you and ask:
Will you now, be my friend?

In peace we shall live together.
With greater understanding
we shall embrace each other’s hearts.
Compassion will rise to heights of love
and wounds will heal as tears will be no more.

Viola M. Jaynes
Jan. 2008

Some things do matter. Every year gives birth to blessings, little acts of thoughtfulness, devotion, courage and self-sacrifice. Smiles unexpected and unmasked for. Silent hard-won victories over evil… Such blessings change lives, and one generation passes them along to the next. On this final day of the year, why not leave some small blessings for those who will follow you?” ~Anonymous author

As the year comes to a close, I reflect deeply on all that has been learned and gained this year. Personally we have seen many changes, much growth, and a heart recognition for the deeper realization of the potential that lies within each human life as one is willing to look within. We have seen how human beings fall short through their own fears and yet rise to greater heights as love and forgiveness embraces all. I am convinced again and again that there is simply nothing impossible!

As the New Year starts, I wish each of my readers a year filled with meaning and purpose. I wish each of you the reality that lies beyond what we see with our eyes, or that which we touch with our hands. My hope is for all of us to experience a greater hunger and desire to know God to such an extent that unnecessary worry and fear will cease. As political situations continue to be precarious, may you enter a place of calmness and assuredness that, no matter what happens, the Light and Peace of God is yours always. May you become prayer in this world as you realize that the spiritual growth that you experience makes a difference to many people around you. May you cultivate a sensitive, loving and kind heart for all living things, and a passionate soul to never be satisfied with the temporal things of this world. May you realize that each kind word and deed that you do and say will be forever recorded in eternal history.

Above all, I wish for each of us the courage to always be honest with ourselves and the ability to recognize the Divinity that abides within each of us. It is through that recognition that the passionate and loving heart of God will touch and heal many.

*The quote above came from a wonderful article I found that Colbert I. King wrote in the Washington Post.

This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man. ~William Shakespeare

Socrates knew that self-honesty seems to be one of the most important keys for human growth when he said, “Know Thyself.” I think about this subject often because I also desire a greater awareness to understand myself and to understand my fellow man.

“The admonition Know yourself was carved on the temple portal at Delphi, as testimony to a basic truth to be adopted as a minimal norm by those who seek to set themselves apart from the rest of creation as human beings, that is as those who know themselves“~ John Paul II. It is not an easy path when one first decides to live such a life, but one finds that the more one is committed to that principle, the easier and more enjoyable life seems to become. It is “easier,” because when practiced often, the pain and embarrassment to look within ourselves seems to diminish. It is “enjoyable,” because there is a certain amount of humor in being human. I am certain that each of us have found ourselves in embarrassing situations, and had a chuckle afterwards about our predicament.

Self-honesty, I believe, is a deeply spiritual principle. Spirituality is birthed forth in people who are not afraid to change and who are not timid in being authentic with everything and everyone in their lives. It is birthed from a desire to be, as one is, in the truest and finest form, energized by love with spiritual potential that is endless. I can not help but think about Christ Himself in the Garden of Gethsemane when he asked His Father if this cup could pass from Him, but because He had the insight of the much greater potential and purpose that was within Him, He quickly added, “Not my will, but Thine be done.”

On such a path of self examination and self-honesty, one begins to worry far less about what others think of them. They are far more focused on the condition of their own heart and their own motives. This path increases our joy as greater peace brings a heightened awareness that so much of the time spend on worries are truly wasted moments. Unlike love, prayer, devotion, kindness, and having good will towards all, worry is a weak energizer and does not possess the capability to bring lasting and positive changes into our lives.

Self-honesty has an interesting component to it in that it seems to be enlarging. Somehow, one will begin to look at things from a much broader perspective. Thus, in almost every part of one’s life - spiritually, emotionally, educationally, financially and even physically, one grows and one heals. Life becomes more simple, and so much falls by the way-side as the important from the unimportant is discerned. There simply is no end to the potential that self-honesty can bring into ones life.

William Shakespeare said it beautifully when he speaks of being true to oneself and our relationship with others: “Thou canst not be false to any man.” When we truly begin to be honest with ourselves, looking into the deepest corners of our hearts, and learn to deal kindly with ourselves, we begin to have greater compassion and kindness for others as well. It is a beautiful by-product of grace and love that extends itself outward to others. Thus, honest relationships are always the best because one does not have to be afraid and hide any longer but is free to be who they are. It is a liberating experience to find such freedom!

The “human condition” itself has great limitations. It is truly only through a spiritually energized life that grace is given to go beyond the limitations of being earth-bound… touching heavenly realms that bring deep meaning and comfort to life as one discovers the true Self within.

Know Thyself…and be at peace!