RSS
Home
Examining Stones
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Examining Stones
I don’t have an agenda to talk about this week. So I will withdraw to further examine the stones of angst that are in conflict with the stones of knowledge.
This is a common withdrawal. How do we integrate what we know to be true with what presents itself in the reality of our lives? It is easy to counsel oneself to rise above the myriad of ‘things’ that interfere with our peace of mind. Yet, it is a totally different aspect of knowledge of self to ‘know’ the wise path and to actually ‘take’ that path. One can think one is ready to rise above a situation, yet buttons are pushed and clashes of how one sees the world as opposed to how others see the world, confront one. Different personalities handle this conflict in different ways. Personally, I try to give the source of my angst the benefit of a doubt. I gather information from my angst regarding the situation to see if there is anything that I am contributing that could be the source of discontent. I withdraw and after a probably longer than usual time, I face my view of the reality of the situation. If I see I am at fault, I adjust my perception. If I see that it is a conflict of world views, I try to understand the landscape of the situation. So what does one do if one has examined oneself, analyzed the situation, adjusted ones’ perception, and still confronts angst? Usually, there will be continuing angst because without understanding coming from all quarters, the angst will stagnant. So what next? What is one to do if the situation is not conducive to diplomacy, at least in ones’ mind? What do you do if you have to deal with a situation that is being handled from a perspective of ‘shoulds’ that conflict with ones’ journey of knowing thyself?
Uniting
Knowing oneself is an inner journey yet no one can avoid interaction with the world at large on some level. Soon enough it will be become obvious that journeys regarding knowledge of self are not understood by those closest to us. So how do we deal with our world as an individual cast in the light of the world at large?
I believe that knowledge of oneself is the beginning of knowing what one has to offer the larger world in the fullest sense of ones’ being. If a person ignores their gifts in an attempt to fit in with what others see as what one ‘should’ do, not only will the person suffer, but ultimately the world at large will suffer. I know of countless people who bend to the pressure to follow the path of the ‘shoulds’ of family and society that has contrasted with what they would have been inclined to do according their personal interests and talents. Sometimes later in life, when responsibilities lessen, they decide to follow their heart. Sometimes they don’t because it is easier to do what one has always done than to take the ‘leap of faith’ which is a phrase coined by Kierkegaard. It does not matter when you take the leap. What matters is that you take the leap. When you do take it, there will be people, especially those close to you, that will counsel you against your diversion from the ‘norm.’ No matter how hard you try to explain what you are doing, you will encounter a frustration from both quarters. At some point, explaining oneself has to be replaced by being who you strive to; by believe in yourself. If you are truly seeking to know yourself in the highest sense, in the end, everyone will benefit in the long term. You will benefit because you are following who you are from the deepest stratum of your being and others will benefit because you will be giving to the world who you are which is the greatest gift that can be given. Whether or not others recognize your gift will be of no concern if you know yourself at a higher level of consciousness. Others may not understand you, others may misinterpret your decisions, but as long as you know that you are acting from a higher understanding of yourself, your conscious will support you.
If you are serious about ‘knowing thyself’ and using that knowledge to incorporate change, I offer these words that were taken from a Sunday morning sermon I listened to on the 4th of October, 2009.
Five steps for change according to the Presiding Minister of Calvary Baptist Church, on the aforementioned date, in
1. Change habits that are not conducive to living the life that furthers your well being.
2. Detail idea or plan to make the change in your habits work.
3. Execute plan consistently.
4. Power will come in the repetition of the new habit.
5. Make the change of habit spiritual because this is a spiritual journey.
He embellished these steps with the following words:
Soap opera living brings soap opera results.
Choices made moment to moment determine what will happen to you.
Change without responsibility for ones’ choices will not lead to change of self.
Seek the highest possible good.
One must envision the highest possible good for self.
There is no such thing as a trouble free life. Trouble in life is just part of living. Live victorious through the trouble. The way to do this is have faith to live by but remember that faith is not an insurance policy against trouble.
Make a self you can live with; a person who likes oneself.
Have a hope one can live for.
I add to this:
Walk with your head held high, with an image of yourself at your best, through the life that the creator has given you.
I don’t pretend to know the truths of the universe, but the above is good advice.
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
