Last weekend I facilitated a discussion focusing on current events and and what Thomas Merton would say about them. By the fourth session, the participants warmed to the idea and brainstormed some creative ways of living.
One theme of the day was that we need to stop living on moral outrage and stand in our own power. We need to act. And, while it is fine to take personal responsibility, we are not responsible for the actions of others. One important realization is that we may be unable to change the behavior of others or even mitigate the outcomes of their actions. We are only in control of our actions.
We can look at the external works and say that what is occurring is a reflection of our internal turmoil, and it may be. But, sometimes what is happening has nothing to do with us. Sometimes the uncertainty in the world reflects in us glinting off kindling in our soul creating a fire in our heart.
In the combustion of our sacred spark we are startled from our blindness and wake to the world’s uncertainty. Unable to return to inertia, we ask, what can we do? How can we make a difference? Those answers are found on the path of compassion. As we trod upon this path, we lno longer judging, ignoring injustices, or get stuck in the quagmire of “I cannot do anything to impact change.” We are compassion’s presence.
Compassion, at times, is not always easy, but it is most definitely necessary. With it, we root out the malignancy of the world and create a safe space for all to thrive. We begin by acknowledging our own imperfections. Through learning from them, we connect to our true self. Authentic, we do what we can to alleviate suffering. This means loving no matter what; loving enough to walk through suffering as difficult lessons are learned.
When is the world reflecting our imperfections and when is it igniting a fire inside of us? That is for each of us to discern as we navigate through the quagmire to recognize the difference. Once we know how the world is reflecting itself we are able to ignite flames of transformation of our self and others.
Perhaps that is what Merton would say, and what I would encourage each of you to do. Don’t take on the uncertainty of the world. Own your imperfections. Leave the imperfections of others to them. Learn to recognize the difference. Share your message with the world through each compassionate act. Be the light in a darkened world.
Vanessa F. Hurst, ms, is an Intuitive, Coach, Catalyst, who uses mindfulness practices and intuition tools to create strategies for personal and relationship transformation. She is a professional speaker & author who weaves inner wisdom into all she touches. Her books are available @ www.wildefyrpress.com. Contact Vanessa (vanessa@intentandaction.com) for life coaching, intuitive consultations, keynotes, and programs.
Twitter: @fyrserpent / ©2019
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