Our fire had cleared so much. Since that day almost ten years ago, I have been on a quest to seek personal richness and to put aside my need for materialism--not necessarily my love of items, but my dependence on them. I have also been on a quest to honor myself--to do what I love, not what society expects. And so, this week was not one for which I eagerly anticipated. Would I be shown that I was still dependent on items and have some of them go away? Would I be shown that I was still giving into society at my expense? The week seemed almost destined for some event for which I would possibly experience sadness. And, so I waited with trepidation, yet also enthusiastic expectation. My other weeks had been delightfully enlightening. I anticipated that this one would be too. And, I was not disappoited.
Although I did not plan it that way, my week was grandly filled with the activities I love: a drumming circle, committee meetings for events for which I am passionate, the initial design meeting for a new course I will co-teach with a friend, a night of granddaughter fun, a Hmong New Year Celebration and, of course, my 8-5 job assisting speech students. Yes, I loved each activity I did. I got up early and went to bed late to get them all in. Even though I was exhausted, I was excited that I was doing what I love to do, and therefore, not compromising myself. Or, was I?
By Saturday I realized that I had not had a moment for reflection. yoga, meditation, or even my customary morning offerrings of gratitude. Then I knew the lesson I was being shown. I had not compromised my Earthly personality. I had completed activities filled with passion and fun. But, a greater tragedy had occured. I had compromised my soul. I had not left time for me to connect with my spirit. Even though I had loved each activity, I had given up too much. I had given up who I was on a deeper, more important level.
So, once again I have been led into a deeper understanding of another one of the spiritual truths that I was shown while writing my book. I now know that even though I love an activity, I need to make certain that it is good for my spiritual development too. I can not compromise that part of me, even though my heart sings with excitement at what I have chosen to do. I need time for me to connect with spirit. If time is not allowed, then I am, in fact, giving up who I am. I once again am thankful for all that I have been shown. I now understand the spiritual truth Giving up who you are is a much greater tragedy than losing your possessions at a deeper, richer level.
Next week's spiritual truth is: Spiritual communciation transcends earthly words. What a grand follow-up to this week! I guess I needed this week to prepare me for all that is to come. Don't you just love the beauty of it all?
Peace and love to you. May your week be filled with spiritual communications of all sorts.
Linda