To Inspire and Self Inspire
As I have grown older, I have aspired to be in a constant state of learning and discovery. Once I believe there is nothing left to learn, then it is time for me to look deep within. Periodic introspection and reflection as a matter of course is crucial to our ongoing development.
A requirement of the human experience is to constantly find ways to reinvent and redefine ourselves in both the best and worst of times. Not only does it keep our perspective on life fresh, but our relationships with others takes on a whole new meaning. We can also use our ongoing learning about ourselves as a foundation to present observations to others from a perspective that they may not have previously considered. As a result, we inspire them and inspire ourselves in the process. With that in mind, I would like to offer my reflections and observations on a couple of items that I recently read:
Viewing Humanity Differently
“We are the warriors of light. With the strength of our love and will, we can change our destiny….and the destiny of many others.” – Paulo Coehlo
In the literal sense, a warrior is someone who is skilled in battle and combat. In the context of Coehlo’s words, the term warrior represents a paradigm shift or change in perspective that can serve us well during challenging times in our lives. I know that after the death of my daughter Jeannine in 2003, I eventually began to see the value of treating others with respect and love, even during times when I didn’t love myself. Once I began to consistently commit to these values, the way I viewed humanity changed and the way that humanity responded to me changed. As a result, I became aligned with individuals with like values, other warriors of light. My perspective on life and particularly on Jeannine’s death became transformed.
Reflections from Leonard Pitts
“Faith and doubt do not oppose each other. They define each other ,like light and shadow.” – From the article, “Having a casual chat with the universal spirit,” by Leonard Pitts
Leonard Pitts is a columnist for The Miami Herald and fast becoming my favorite journalist because he dares to ask the questions everyone else may be thinking. He is creative and does not subscribe to conventional wisdom. I have always thought conventional wisdom was highly overrated anyway.
I have learned during my journey after Jeannine’s death, that joy, pain and sadness coexist and that continued spiritual growth occurs as a result of our ability to embrace and learn from all emotions that we experience. I agree with Pitts’ observations on faith and doubt as well.
After Jeannine’s death, my faith in everything that I believed in came into question. I had doubts that I would ever learn to live with what happened and that I would ever truly feel fulfilled again. As I look at it now, my dance with doubt contributed to my eventual restoration of faith in myself and in the universe to provide for my needs. I couldn’t have developed a stronger faith if I was unwilling to allow doubt to embrace me.
Do I experience self-doubt now. Absolutely! To deny this would be denying my ability to be human. I strive in this moment to use self-doubt as a means to promote continued self-awareness including those limitations that I still possess. I will strive to embrace my limitations for the lessons that they will continue to teach me.
Square Dancing in a Round Room
There is, from my perspective, a concept that connects the thoughts of both Leonard Pitts and Paulo Coehlo……. shapeshifting. Here is how Ted Andrews defines shapeshifting in his book, Animal Speaks.
Shapeshifting is natural to all of humanity. Every day on some level,we shift our energies to meet the daily trips, responsibilities and obligations of life….. Shapeshifting is a matter of controlling and shifting your own energies to fit the needs of the moment- being able to draw upon those qualities and energies necessary.
Simply put, the art of shapeshifting is similar to learning how to square dance in a round room. Our will, love and determination alone won’t change the shape of that room. It will forever remain round. We can however shift our energies and thoughts in a way that fits the existing terrain, and empower ourselves in the process, to view our worlds through a different lens.
Sometimes the most evolved souls take the most challenging paths
Dr. Brian Weiss
Copyright David Roberts of Bootsy & Angel Books, LLC (www.bootsyandangel.com). Post originally published by the Open to Hope Foundation (www.opentohope.com)
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