This blog post is inspired by the title of two different chapters in my book, Recovering My True Self. This past Sunday, those of us in the Northern Hemisphere experienced the Spring Equinox. It is a time of awakening, as evident in our natural surroundings as the first signs of spring begin to pop their little green heads from the earth. It is also evident in our unnatural surroundings also as the masks come off of our kids in school. Both indicate, rejuvenation and better times ahead.
All of this comes at a time when we are witnessing the sovereign nation of Ukraine being attacked by the Russian government. It has been heartbreaking to wake up day after day to endless shelling attacks and hear about the resultant humanitarian crisis. While it has helped some to see the donations roll in and the awareness rises up, the fact that there seems no end in sight makes it hard to appreciate the beautiful weather.
This is where spiritual perseverance comes in. The great thinkers and spiritual leaders that form the basis of most spiritual paths religions tell us that there is an inner and outer world. If we look to the outer world for guidance on how to form our emotions then happiness will be impossible. The pandemic, wars, racial injustice, wealth inequality, poverty, and environmental degradation will most certainly help illustrate this notion. This is when we must turn inward. The peace inside is reflected in the birds I hear singing out my window helps connect me to inner peace, which is who we are. When we look at a baby or fall in love, the outer world chaos falls away. And so, when we meditate and find a connection to the peace of our inner world it gives us the strength to navigate the outer world. Empowering us to be ready to serve, to help, and heal the collective trauma that is all around us, one moment at a time.
A Course in Miracles Lesson 85, in its review of salvation, states "It [salvation] is not found on the outside and then brought in. But from within me it will reach beyond, and everything I see will but reflect the light that shines in me and in itself".
