Your Beliefs

<<< Your Beliefs and Those Around You >>>

What a dull world it would be if we were all the same, if every person you spoke with agreed completely with you, if there were no conflict whatsoever, and all you ever got back was the reassurance that you are understood and that what you say and feel is perfectly true. This is the life of spirit, yes, but it is not the life of this physical existence. Instead, in this physical experience which you have chosen, you will see in others the parts of yourself which you wish you had left behind. You will see reflected back to you all of those annoying characteristics, all of the petty desires, all of the immaturity which you are striving to overcome.

But in that reflection, you see those things which are still a part of you at another level and they teach you some very deep spiritual truths. They teach you acceptance, a deep acceptance of others exactly as they are, knowing that it is neither your job, nor even
your right, to change them. It teaches you forgiveness, a deep understanding that each walks her own path at her own pace, and every one is to be honored, everyone is to be loved, exactly as they are in this moment.

For who are you to judge and criticize and feel that anyone should be other than the way they find themselves right now? Yes, I understand. Sometimes it is lonely, and it would be a wonderful thing to share. And often it is very frustrating to listen to others saying things which you used to feel but which now make no sense to you whatsoever.

The answer, of course, is in balance. You must seek out a few people with whom you can share, a few people to whom you can pour out your heart, a few people who are launched on their own spiritual quest and who will love just talking about it, sharing in excitement the next miracle that they saw occurring, marveling over the serendipities and synchronicities and all the glorious things which come your way as you open up these doors and explore. But this is all you need to do. Just one or two friends to be your companions on this journey.

Not only is it possible to live among people who do not share your deepest beliefs, it is necessary. It is necessary not only for your own growth, but also for them. For spiritual enlightenment is a light which glows inside, a bright shining of the self which, as you
become more and more spiritual and connected with your soul self, will begin to glow even outside yourself,lighting up your life and that of those around you. The light will be seen in the way you treat people with love and respect, even though they do not share your beliefs.

Picture for a moment the world as in shadow, with each connected to a soul self supplying them with the bright light of love, peace and knowledge. Why should those who are blessed with a strong connection, who are shining out brightly, all huddle together and just bask in each others' glow, leaving the rest in darkness? Does it not make sense for them to disperse, for them to walk among those who are not yet fully connected, who are still in darkness, and let their light be seen?

Your light will affect those around you. Not in heated discussions, not in frustrating demonstrations of their ignorance and your knowledge. No, your light will be felt through the gifts that you give others, gifts like listening, hugs, smiles, warmth and understanding, sympathetic caring. Your light will help others to see.

So focus on developing your glow. Find a friend or two to share your journey. Then just glow. Glow with acceptance of others as they are, even in their darkness. Glow with the love and respect that you can share, both giving it and asking for it in return. For of
course, your first act of love is always loving yourself, and this will build up your strength to demand that those around you treat you as you should be treated. And that is as you treat them, with acceptance of their differences from you, yet a lightness, an ability to let them be, a willingness to allow them to walk at their own speed in their own way.

It is temping, when you have discovered some spiritual truths for yourself and are beginning to feel the joy building in your heart, to think that you must bring others to your place. But you will find, as you progress, that much of your journey still lies before you, and it will take all of your focus to simply move yourself along, overcoming the obstacles which lie tossed out in front of you while keeping your heart light and loving.

Love yourself. Accept yourself and others. Forgive them. Take full responsibility for your life and who you are. Let your inner light glow and glow, stronger and brighter, by going deeply into your connection with your soul self and also by opening up and exploring your talents and skills, by living this life vibrantly and well, committing to action, taking risks, daring to truly live. Do all of this and the people around you will gradually be affected, will begin to bask in your light.

Just allow them to be. And allow yourself to be. Connect to them through the love which underlies all and let this be enough.

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Trouble no one about their religion;
respect others in their view,
and demand that they respect yours.

Chief Tecumseh

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				*Your Beliefs*