Sunday, April 9, 2017

Response-ability


Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. ~Marianne Williamson

Science has proved what mystics have known for millennia – we are all connected through a network of energy, physical as well as consciousness energy. The Avatamsaka Sutra describes this interconnectedness as the “jeweled net of Indra.” This net stretches to infinity in all directions. A jewel is placed at each intersection of threads, likewise infinite in number. In each facet of each jewel is reflected all the other jewels in the net. And within each reflection is reflected all the other jewels and all the other reflections, thus creating a dynamic phenomenon of infinite reflection.

Through this connection we are not only reflecting, but creating, eternally creating in concert the “ten thousand things,” a term used in the Tao Te Ching to describe what we perceive as the universe we live in. We know from particle physics that observation affects the observed. When we focus on something we affect it. It changes in response to our attention. We, in turn, respond to the dynamic interaction our attention has created. In responding to and interacting with our world, we create the very reality we experience. Furthermore, we affect the reality that others experience by reflecting our experience through the “net.” It all becomes part of the jeweled net of our universe. (“Internet” takes on a whole new meaning!)

Just pause and consider this for a moment. Everything that we do or say or think reverberates through all creation. Yes, even thoughts. A Course in Miracles teaches that there are no idle thoughts. Our very thoughts create the universe that we perceive.

Powerful beyond measure indeed! As John F. Kennedy said, quoting the Bible, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” Our ability to respond to our world through our deeds, words, and thoughts, gives us the power to affect our world, and everyone and everything in it. This response-ability gives us the choice to use this power for good or for harm.

Everything that we do or say or think, according to A Course in Miracles, is one of only two things – an expression of love or a call for love. When we are in harmony with the sacred (Tao, Holy Spirit, universal energy), the beauty of love moves through us and manifests in all creation. It’s not so much that we express love as that love is expressed through us.

When we are not in harmony, we suffer from the illusion of separation. Our spirits seek to restore unity, calling for love. This call can manifest as deeds, words, or thoughts we might label as harmful, such as anger, judgment, violence. Underneath, all these are rooted in fear, the mistaken fear of separation and the desperate yearning to restore unity.

We might label these manifestations as harmful, but here is the true power of our response-ability. They are only as harmful as our own responses allow. If we respond to anger, judgment, or violence with more of the same, the illusion of separation ripples through the jeweled net as the call for love goes unanswered. But if we recognize these manifestations of fear as what they really are, calls for love, we can respond with expressions of love, thus dispelling the illusion of separation and reflecting unity throughout the jeweled net. All creation then vibrates in perfect harmony with God.

As you go through your day, consider the power you hold. Remember that everything that you do or say or think is either an expression of love or a call for love. Recognize the calls for love you see around you, and choose how you will respond – with a further call for love, or a healing expression of love.

And don’t forget that expressions of love can be directed to ourselves as well, especially when we recognize the call for love in our own spirits.

Blessings to you this day, my friend.

Note: Thanks to Judi Jason for inspiring this post by sharing with me the concept of response-ability and her thoughts on the topic. Love you, Juju!

10 comments:

  1. What a powerful post. I don't think I've ever head Indra's net explained so beautifully and so accessibly. If only we could fathom this! The world would be such a different place. Thanks for the encouragement to consider the power I hold as I go through my day. I especially like the way you phrased that.

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    1. Thank you, Sandra! I can't remember where I first learned about Indra's net, but I love the image. It seems these days like the whole world is calling for love. Every time we express love in response, we do more good than we can ever imagine. Thanks for your comment.

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  2. I understand this concept from my days in runes and Norse magic. (Yes, I did for a time). Our thread in the tapestry of life. I do think though, that there are "threads" out there that are so evil, so violent, that you have to find a separate category besides giving or calling for love.

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    1. Runes and Norse magic?! That must have been interesting, CW.

      As always, I appreciate your comment, but I have a different view of the need for a separate category. I don't think there is a separate category other than the two offered.

      When we are not in harmony, we experience ourselves as separate. This creates fear, and fear can manifest along a whole spectrum from minor irritation to unfathomable atrocity. A soul might be so lost in darkness that love cannot be received, but the point is not the state or receptivity of the person "calling for love." The point is our response. The point is what is happening in our own spirits. All we can control is our own deeds, words, and thoughts. My only choice is to contribute light and love to the world, or darkness and fear.

      Understand that I am in no way excusing violence or suggesting that we all go up and hug a serial killer. I'm a big believer in safe boundaries and natural consequences.

      My best example is the response of the Amish community to the man who entered a school and shot ten of their little girls. As one writer said, they would have supported whatever consequences the law imposed...and then visited him in prison.

      So in a way, the call for love is strongest in those who might fall in your "evil" category, for it is those whose spirits are most lost in the abyss. And it is the dark energy they manifest that is most in need of light to restore the wounded universe to harmony.

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  3. Wow! What an enlightening way to view all that we say, think or do each day, Galen. Knowing that all is either an expression of love or a call for it totally changes our perception of our reality for the better. Thank you for sharing these amazing thoughts with us!
    Blessings!

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    1. Thanks, Martha. This simple division of everything into these two options really did change how I thought about... everything. Glad you liked it. (I just jumped over to your place to get the next installment on the Danny story. Girl, you can tell a story!)

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  4. Fascinating. I know this is absolutely true. Thanks, Galen!

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  5. As I reflect on this well written post; I find myself thinking that it is very much something I believe in a different way. I believe that all of us that are spirit children of Heavenly Parents come down here with the light of Christ. Something like the net you explained. The purpose of the light of Christ is to help us in our choices as we face good and evil. Those who utilize this light to make good choices draw closer to the source which is our Savior Jesus Christ. Those who make bad choices have less light and become more separated from the light of Christ. Ultimately, we can have the Holy Ghost given to us to help us recognize more truths and to provide comfort, healing,love and etc. We are down here to learn to love one another and of course, very important that we love ourselves too. As we gain faith, hope and Charity; which is the pure of Christ, we will then feel love for all mankind.
    As always, I am greatly blessed to read your thoughts because they stimulate my own. Blessings and hugs for you!

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    1. Nicely said, LeAnn. I agree that this is a different vocabulary/concept for saying very much the same thing. We sometimes get caught up in trying to decide on a single right way to say something instead of looking deeper for common ground. Then all the different ways of saying something become reflections that enhance everyone's understanding. Thank you!

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