This uncharacteristically long chapter comprises several parts that may at one time have been separate. It reminds me of the book of Proverbs in the Bible, which contains many pearls of wisdom that can be considered as stand alone verses. Because of its length, I’m going to break discussion of this chapter into two posts.
Some key lines from the first part:
Peace is easily sustained
This is an interesting pronouncement in a world where peace has been elusive, from families to nations, across millennia. To me, this speaks to our natural state of alignment and harmony, easy to maintain if we refrain from interfering. The history of conflict at all levels and at all times in this world, has almost always been caused when we have shifted out of alignment because of fear. A Course in Miracles teaches that this fear results from our mistaken belief in separation, from each other and from God. Fear makes us want to control outside circumstances that are beyond our control. Inner conflict is then manifested externally.
What has not yet happened is easy to prepare for
Manage things before trouble arises
These lines remind me of the old adage “A stitch in time saves nine.” It also reminds me of how our practice prepares us for the unexpected. If my balance is improved by practicing tai chi, for example, I am less likely to fall if I miss a step or trip over something. If my inner alignment is rooted through practicing meditation, I’m less likely to be buffeted by an unanticipated challenge.
A long journey begins under the foot
This wisdom is often phrased as “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” The character in this line, however, is actually the character for “foot” and the following character means “under.” This gives me a slightly different sense of this proverb. No matter where I’m headed, my present location is always exactly under my feet. No matter how many steps I take, I am always in the same “place,” that is, over my feet.
It’s like breathing. I will breathe my way all through my life’s journey, but the breath that matters is the one I’m taking right now.
No matter how you interpret this line, I think the point is that, to use another saying, “no matter where you go, there you are.” The present moment, standing on this ground, breathing this breath, is where I exist.
As I said, this chapter is more like pearls on a string rather than one big pearl. I hope these lines offer something helpful for your contemplation. I will continue the chapter in the next post.
Lovely pearls. It's always refreshing to be reminded of what is true. Thank you, Galen!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pam. Glad you enjoyed the pearls.
Delete"It’s like breathing. I will breathe my way all through my life’s journey, but the breath that matters is the one I’m taking right now."
ReplyDeleteGalen, it's the only one that matters. We delude ourselves when we think anything else is promised. Yet, we courageously and faithfully live in hope for the future. I do think these are intertwined and necessary to our moving forward, living out the lives God has graced us with. May we be constantly aware and alive to His calling.
Blessings!
Indeed, Martha. We plan and hope and prepare, but we are only living in the present moment. Our minds might wander into the past and future, but our bodies live in the moment. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteI like the part about "under the foot" being wherever we are at the moment. Your insights are delightful. What did I do before I discovered you? :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan, you made my day. How do you do a heart emoji on a blog?! Thank you.
DeleteYes, I will take some moments to contemplate on the inner meaning of these thoughts. I'm thinking that I want to live in the moment and feel them more than I do sometimes. There is much truth in these pearls of thought. Thanks for sharing them; it gives me thoughts to ponder upon.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and hugs!
Thanks, LeAnn!
DeleteThese are 3 quite disparate points at first sight, Galen. The ones I can grasp are peace being there if one doesn't interfere with the natural flow within(and of course so much can get in the way of that in the world we live in) and the present moment being where one is standing right now. So many right nows where one has stood and taken steps, so many steps, but all of them bringing you where you are now. Kind of surreal but also very essentially true!
ReplyDeleteRight, Lynne -- this chapter is sort of a wisdom tapas offering. Lots to choose from. Glad those two resonate with you. I like your description of all the steps-- we are so often caught up in the steps we've already taken or the ones we anticipate. We rarely look down at the ground we are standing on in any given moment.
Delete'A long journey begins under the foot'
ReplyDeleteI like your interpretation of this verse. It starts now,this moment that is all we have. We don't have future, but this moment, now, can influence a possible next moment. So, a journey of a projected 1000 miles begins with one step, now.
Yes, it is a subtle difference -- the under the foot or the step. Either way, it is, as you say, Brian, about the present moment.
Delete