How can I reconnect with the Divine? … (09/04/09)
From the moment of our birth into this world until the moment we pass from it, our ego-minds are constantly striving to fulfill one mission: to keep us alive for as long as possible.
And while it is reasonable to follow this guidance, adhering to this fearful mindset actually leads us away from actions that reflect our other, more True potential: namely, to live as agents of the Divine — striving to relieve the burdens of those who are suffering and bring more Joy to all, regardless of what might happen to ourselves as a consequence.
Living the former, self-centered way keeps us from knowing the deep-seated Bliss of Oneness that is our birthright (if we but have the courage to claim it), while enlivening the latter, selfless Way is our Pathway to pure Peace.
“Fair enough” you say, “But how can I get there? If I am indeed ready to claim this Great Gift, how can I find the path thereto? If I am indeed ready to live a life of lasting Meaning (as opposed to a life of constantly striving for mere comfort & pleasure & ease), how can I take that first, bold step onto that Peace-full Way?”
Well, before you can choose a new course, it might be helpful to identify the thoughts & beliefs and choices in your current life that are keeping you from seeing it in the first place. To this end, here are a few of the more common ways in which most people continue to separate their True Selves from “the Divine”:
*listening to internal doubts about our own self-worth,
*focusing on our ego’s desires for comfort & pleasure,
*feeling proud of our victories & accomplishments,
*grieving “loss” or suffering from tragedy,
*protecting ourselves from our enemies,
*& planning for the future.
And here, to finally arrive at the point, are the solutions to those same errors in thinking & non-being … In essence, here are the ways “back to God”:
*When in doubt, don’t! Have radical ideas of kindness and courageously seek to actualize them …
*When feeling the pangs of yearning or lust, choose to set them free in favor of thoughts for others’ well-being. Desire only a lack of desire …
*When tempted with pride, remember that no victory is possible without assistance from others, and that no accomplishment bears lasting fruit without first humbling yourself before the vastness of the Universe …
*When saddened by crisis or frustrated by difficulty, remember that it is the challenges of living that give Life its greatest Purpose; that no blissful moments are possible without first coming through the darkness that always precedes them …
*When striving for “security” or “safety”, choose instead to reach out and actively Care — especially for those who inspired your anger, sadness or fear in the first place …
*When planning for the future, choose instead to pause and revel in Gratitude for THIS moment and all the Greatness & Beauty that it already contains …
In summary, to get back in harmony with “The Divine”, it is necessary for us to replace thoughts & words of fear with actions of Love.
So look humbly for opportunities to ease another’s burdens, my Friends, and then bravely go forth to do whatever you can to do so.
Even if it is only a kind smile given in passing to a stranger, the Loving intention in that one, pure moment is more than enough to reach out and take God’s hand once more.
Amen … Let it be so.
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