I am good to those who are good
I am good to those who are not good
I am trustworthy to those who are trustworthy
I am trustworthy to those who are not trustworthy
The heart of this little chapter says it all. The Bible observes that the sun shines on the good and the evil, and the rain falls on the just and the unjust. Flowers reveal their beauty to any and all who pass by, and even when no one is passing by.
If nature does not discriminate, then who are we to do so? Whether we act with kindness, compassion, integrity, does not depend on others. In a world that has become so entrenched in dualistic, judgmental perspective, what a radical notion!
Does this mean that we never have an opinion? Or that we never take action to serve or protect? No, of course not.
I’m thinking of the three people who intervened on public transit when a person started shouting abuse at two young women of color, one wearing a hajib. These defenders did not question the worthiness of the young women before coming to their aid. They saw a need for help and they stepped up, even at the cost of their lives.
The sage aligns with the harmony of creation
Breathing ocean-like energy into the heart
This is not a perspective of weakness or helplessness. This is a position of power, not personal ego power, but the power of the universe manifested through us when we are willing to allow it. It is always available to us. We need not develop it or be worthy of it. We only need to not block it.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. ~Marianne Williamson
Oh, my dear friend, I love this one so much! There is a powerful message in it. We should not discrimnate. If we could just recognize that we are all brothers and sisters of Heavenly Parents and should and could love one another. What a wonderful virtue, kindness is. I wish our world was more tolerate and kind.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding us of that!
Sending loving thoughts and hugs your way!
So glad this resonated for you, LeAnn. It is a powerful message, and a message of power! As the Dalai Lama said, "My religion is kindness." Thanks for commenting.
DeleteThe power of the universe manifested through us when we let it flow . . . So incredibly true, so absolutely real, Galen. When that happens, we can't help but love our neighbor as ourselves. May that strength course through the veins of our being and become that hope and promise of God's saving grace upon which others can learn of His great love.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, dear friend!
I like how you put it, Martha, that we can't help but love our neighbors. That is true, isn't it? When we are in alignment, we don't need to make any effort -- kindness, love, compassion, generosity, all that just happens because it is our true nature to manifest these qualities. Just like the rain that falls and the sun that shines. Hope you are recovering quickly!
DeleteI also appreciated this one at this particular place in my life, Galen. You are definitely one of my favorite bloggers to visit, as you always come up with something I need to read right now. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, DJan! So glad we are in sync!
DeleteI too wish we could all be open, honest, caring, considerate, shelving off the discrimination and judging as 'other' that we do and adopt what feels like a far more natural way of being. What a wonderfully positive effect it would have on so many people. Some would call this naive tosh, and yet the interpersonal protective tensions are there to be tangibly felt, especially when people are forced into close proximtiy with one another.All we can do is lead by our own example as best we can. Cheers, Galen!
ReplyDeleteLynne, I'm so sorry. Your comment, and Brian's below, just popped up today along with some others. I have no idea what caused the delay.
DeleteAnyway, indeed we experience so much pain and fear when we divide into "us" and "other." Naive tosh -- great phrase-- I'm going to use that one!
'The sage aligns with the harmony of creation'
ReplyDeleteI love this sentence. When we align with the flow and harmony of creation all the ways of life becomes clear. It does not judge or have favorites. We can position our selves to allow its flow and harmony into our lives. When we don't block it, and live in harmony with nature and the infinite intelligence behind it, we are truly blessed.
Thanks, Brian. Having just returned from a weekend in my forest cabin, I'm so in harmony with nature right now!
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