I think the most terrifying thing for a teacher must be the moment between giving everything they have to give and the student’s realization or incorporation of the new information or understanding.
I have been a student of spiritual principles and practices for nearly 4 decades, at this writing. Throughout there have been moments of discovery that changed my self-awareness forever; there have been great lengths of time when I’ve lived with a new perspective of life and my place in it. I’ve had to process loss, rage, grief, anger, fear, humiliation and victory. I’ve also uncovered and celebrated joy. Unadulterated joy. Happiness. Freedom. The unbearable lightness of being – a book, a movie and an experience.
At this point in my life (and throughout the last few decades, but now in a more conscious way) I am a teacher as well as a student. I consult my Teachers and practice those lessons – and try to share my experience, strength and optimistic truth with others, by request.
The words/concepts that have been uppermost in my mind of late are: Acceptance, Honesty, Joy, and Adventure. I often change a single day into an adventure by using the phrase “what if” with myself and others. WHAT IF I am a divine and integral piece of the cosmic puzzle – and my contributions are required to move the storyline for myself and others forward? Then live in that reality.
There are other versions that seem to relieve the burden of the world from our shoulders:
WHAT IF…
…I have no control over my loved ones and have been given an opportunity to love them no matter what?
…I am not responsible for the choices or the consequences of my family members?
…I was born to accept peace as my natural state – and share that reality with others?
…I choose acceptance of all things as a starting place for each day?
These are ways to put my imagination to use to serve God and those about me without forcing or enforcing any of my selfish beliefs (or ‘good ideas’) on or upon others.
I have found JOY in releasing my expectations – and communicating my desires.
I have found JOY in delivering upon my commitments and being in service to my family, friends, work partners and organizations that I support.
I have new adventures ahead of me – each one usually means facing down a demon or releasing a false narrative about myself or others. I am grateful for the consciousness of adventure – and the willingness to participate.
What adventures are you planning?
