Spiritual Things Matter

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!

There is a defining moment in every person’s life. Within that moment, everything that person is, shines its brightest. ~Anonymous

There are times in life when events and circumstances seem to be larger then we are. We often react to these times with uncertainty and fear. If we have lived long enough though, we will have learned that those times come and go and it is important for us to allow ourselves to go through the process in the best possible way.

Carl G. Jung once explained, “I have often seen individuals simply outgrow a problem which had destroyed others. This ‘outgrowing,’ as I formerly called it, on further experience was seen to consist in a new level of consciousness. Some higher or wider interest arose on the person’s horizon, and through this widening of his view the insoluble problem lost its urgency. It was not solved logically in its own life-tendency. It was not repressed and made unconscious, but merely appeared in a different light, and so did indeed become different. What, on a lower level, had led to the wildest conflicts and panicky outbursts of emotion, viewed from the higher level of the personality, now seemed like a storm in the valley seen from a high mountain-top. This does not mean that the thunderstorm is robbed of its reality, but instead of being in it, one is now above it.”

This observation is very meaningful and practical, and I would like to share with my readers about my own experience:

Not too long ago, I was faced with a very painful and difficult situation. Matters of the heart seem to be especially hard to overcome because so much love and trust has been expended. As I was dealing with this difficult situation, my mind wandered back to a time, many years ago, when a trusted friend betrayed my trust and my friendship. I retaliated to express just how badly I was hurting. My own anger though, was more hurtful to me, by far, because it went against everything that I strongly believed in and held dear to my heart. However, there was so much hurt, anger, and betrayal that I literally could feel it rip throughout my entire body. It frightened me and I made a promise to myself to never again allow myself to get that hurt and angry. The situation was quickly rectified because I had been reminded of another experience of earlier days:

A short time after my arrival to this country, I made a spiritual commitment to God and was baptized. Upon my coming up from the water, I felt such an infusion of love and joy and to this day, the experience is difficult to explain to anyone else. I literally could not feel my body weight on the ground for almost a week and I found myself singing most of the time.

Remembering this, I understood more than ever before just how many spiritual consequences there really are in decisions that we make, whether those decisions are positive ones or negative ones. Most of the time we are only vaguely aware of them - but, those consequences are most definitely a reality.

That promise to myself of “never again” recently was to be tested once more, many years after that earlier experience. This time though, it was very different. After I made an untimely visit to a very dear friend and found a very precarious situation, I also learned that this friend had chosen betrayal, instead of honesty, for fear of the consequences that might take place. The measures taken were extreme to say the least. I was so hurt and simply could not believe what was happening, but…it was firmly fixed in my heart to only bless, bless and bless again. I have done just that, as I understood that this was going to be a “defining moment” for me. I had lived long enough to where I had learned from that lesson of so many years ago and certainly did not want to repeat the same mistake again. Personal confidence was gained as I handled the situation and more importantly, handled myself in the midst of it. The question that I had to keep asking myself over and over again as I agonized in pain was, “Is God more important or is the outcome of this situation more important?” The answer, for me, was God and my spiritual growth which is a path I had chosen so many years ago.

The result of operating from a greater understanding this time around, has been a greater love and compassion for those who were involved, and a realization that fear, self-preservation, and uncertainties make all of us react in ways much different from how we would react under more normal circumstances. I understood that this difficult and heartbreaking ordeal was not about my dear friend’s human frailties and lack of courage to communicate openly and honestly, but it was about my own discovery that I had truly grown since the last deep betrayal from a trusted friend. I was gradually able to see this circumstance from a different point of view and realized that this was a very important time in my life. I chose to use this time to learn from past experiences and to process that experience, as well as the problem from the past, from a different perspective.

It has been a rich and productive time for me in so many ways. The pain was felt deeply and at times my pillow is still soaked in tears as I felt my heart break through the choices my friend made. However, the realization of who I am, during a most difficult period, was a very special gift. Defining moments can bring incredible growth and self actualization if we are willing to be truly honest with ourselves, looking deeply within our own hearts. Much is revealed in that heart of ours if we have the courage to look at it without any fear or judgment.

I pray for my dear friend often and hope for the realization that true friendships will reach far past transgressions, disappointments and pain, finding a peaceful land of love, forgiveness, and peace. We are all human beings with many flaws indeed. I realize and acknowledge where I have fallen short and for that I am deeply sorry! My friend is still very dear to me - and always will be. The only thing that has changed is that I have gained once again, a more realistic view, that all of us are on our own path with many lessons to learn.

If you are going through a “defining moment” in your life right now, I hope that you will be strengthened as you calm your thoughts and listen to the wisdom that God has placed within your own heart.

“Be still and know that I am God.”

To weep is to make less the depth of grief. ~William Shakespeare

The land of tears is a mysterious place as each tear droplet expresses the beauty of its pain or joy. Tears cleanse our souls and powerfully release the pressure we feel in our daily lives. Tears help us focus our vision and our purpose. It gives us the ability to hear and feel our heart again.

Tears need to be shed as they help the body and soul to cleanse many toxins of bitterness and anger, and of disappointments and shame. Tears help our other organs to stay free of disease and sickness, for if one cannot weep, our bodies will. The saltiness of our tears helps to remind us of its cleansing power. As I sit in stillness, I think of the many who are shedding tears, sacred and mysterious perhaps even to their own understanding.

I think of those that weep for their marriage wondering if relief will ever come to their private and lonely pain, and longing and praying for oneness and togetherness in its truest form. At the same time, however, realizing that the shaping of their own character is the forming of an art piece as they search for lasting answers.

I think of the many parents that weep over their children as they continually search for ways to instill in them what is right and what is wrong. The pain they experience as their child grows and finds greater independence, and often pushing away parental guidance. The fear of loss and control brings many to bitter tears. Yet, perhaps a realization and a finding of their deeper self will bring thanksgiving into their hearts, and the understanding that our children are never truly ours, but have been given into our care - for only a short season.

Tears express the language of love which brings such joy and pain to so many. Innumerable tears will be shed as they learn that the other can never be possessed and that the value of separateness will bring value to their togetherness.

Those with greater awareness and understanding will weep many tears. For they have been given the gift of greater responsibility. Only with diligence and commitment to yet a deeper and higher purpose will they understand that the solving of human dilemmas can never come from their limited resources, wit, and cleverness. Wisdom cries out - for its effect is far beyond human intellect. It is available to all those who seek it.

As war prevails in our world due to the pride of men, many tears are shed for the loss of precious lives. The pain of such a loss goes deep and only the healing balm of God’s grace can mend such a broken heart.

Many elderly have been forgotten and are alone. Their tears flow with many regrets wondering if they could have lived life differently. At the same time, others will shed tears of joy as they see the fruit of their own diligent labor and prayers flourish and thrive. They will not fear death, but will await it with wonderment.

The downtrodden and lonely hearts cry tears of their own perceived inadequacies. They wonder what it is they could ever offer this world. Yet, it is in these humble souls that the purity of prayer is heard and answered. Their silent strength is a great gift to this world.

As all of us will shed many tears due to our frailties, our weaknesses, and lack of courage, may strength be found to forgive ourselves. These tears will teach empathy for others as one becomes sensitive to knowing that each person carries a burden. This understanding is the path to forgive others. It is in this continued searching for greater wisdom, courage, and strength that life can be well lived. Ones own courage will be realized as we express our regrets to those we have injured. It may be the most healing and meaningful gift you could ever offer. Let us have the courage to make things right as best as we can and learn to be compassionate in all of our dealings.

At the end of this life, it will not have mattered what our profession was and how many wonderful things we have accomplished on this earth. Who we were will have mattered - for it will have left a lasting affect.

Tears are truly a gift - a wonderful gift to ourselves.

You, oh Lord tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: Ps. 56:8

The growth of understanding follows an ascending spiral rather than a straight line.
~Joanna Field

There is a wonderful post today at www.sigcarlfred.blogspot.com entitled, “Of Burning Bushes, Places And Time.” Go read it in its entirety since it is very meaningful.

Each and every person living on this earth will be faced with tremendous amount of pain and challenges in their lives. Some, it would seem, will experience pain more profoundly than others, but every person must drink from this cup.

I think it is pain that allows us to become more understanding and tolerant of other human beings and their suffering. Somehow it creates in us a compassionate heart and a desire to reach out to someone who is hurting. It gives us the gift of saying a kind word or to give a tender touch on the shoulders to a hurting heart. It brings us in tune with each other despite the many backgrounds, socioeconomic and educational levels.

Pain is a language that we all understand. Love is a language that heals even the deepest pain. Each of us have this gift to give to someone through our eyes, an embrace, through shared tears, a kind deed and prayer. We also have the capacity within us to receive this gift of love to its fullest should we look for it ourselves.

Many people feel that they have no one with whom to share their deepest pain. Perhaps the suffering is so deep that it cannot be expressed in words and thus only tears are the language to express its agony.

Cultivating a prayer life is a wonderful way to aid in healing, for ourselves and for those around us. Prayer will bring a spiritual energy into any situation which can inevitably bring about a miracle.

A resolve and true commitment to prayer is one of the most powerful deeds a person can do in their life. It can and will bring change to otherwise seemingly impossible situations.

I do, indeed, believe that!