Midweek Inspiration, 

One of the greatest challenges facing the devout spiritual student is to turn from the problem; to turn completely from the experience. 

Because of the nature of the human mind this is possibly the most difficult step in the awakening of our true magnificence.  I have often pointed out to my students that the sound of a door closing will invariably mask the sound of an opening door. Due to our penchant for the obvious we then miss the subtle opportunities awaiting us.

The human species has more capacity to recreate pain and suffering merely by dwelling upon the misery of it than any other creature.  It is the curse of free will.  It is the story of the Garden of Eden in the bible. This one principle, to move our attention to goodness, is likely the most emphasized lesson of the great teacher Jesus.  Again and again he reiterated this same point in so many different ways.  He told his disciples often to forgive “forgive thy neighbours”, “Forgive them for they know not what they do”, forgive, forgive, and forgive.  Forgive means let go.  It means for giving, let it be, be done with it, leave it behind. 

Jesus said “turn the other cheek”, he didn’t mean for people to ask to be beaten again.  What kind of twisted logic is that for one who comes to teach of a loving father?  He said turn from the problem, turn away completely; leave it behind.  When his disciples were fishing and catching nothing he said “cast your nets upon the other side.  Look away from the lack completely.  This is the fundamental prosperity teaching of that wealthy carpenter.

Yet today, two thousand years later; a race of people who absolutely worship the ground he walked upon, who have purportedly built nations upon the principles of his teachings, are possibly more mesmerized by a pain filled past than ever before.  In our egotistical righteousness we point our fingers at the rantings of others and say “How good are we?”  Hypocrisy has reached unrivaled standards carried instantly around the world by globalized communication and mass broadcasting.  Focusing our attention on the lack, limitation and challenges of the world is the fodder of global news.

Imagine in this season of peace how quickly a population of solution oriented people could turn this world around.  Imagine what would truly happen if each of us actually practiced this one principle and allowed our attention only to move to the good we desire.  Any time in the past that a group of people has been galvanized into focusing on a new way, that plan has come to pass in unprecedented time.  Examples like the freedomizing of the blacks in the United States and in South Africa, the liberation of India and the race to the moon abound in our history. 

So I ask; what do you want for this world?  …for your children?  What do you truly want?  Is it world peace?  Is it a clean environment?  Is it equality and freedom? 

The great Spiritual teachers through the ages have all taught that simply by focusing and holding your attention to the idea you bring it into being.  It is truly simple yet it is not easy.  It will take determination and passion.  It will take renewing your focus, possibly choosing new company; people who support you in your dream.  And yes it will take letting go of those old and painful memories.

In remembering the words of Margaret Mead –“Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world.  For, indeed, that's all who ever have.”   I ask what action do you choose?

Blessings,