I have decided that when the mind isn't feeling up to the creative task of coming up with a suitable title for these posts then I'm just going to name it what ever comes to mind first. Seems like a good way to go, inner spirit speaking to me through a child's like imaginative language. I think we could all use a bit more of that in our lives. Those of you who have children are influenced by that everyday but for those like me with out children tapping into that resource takes a bit more intention.
This leads me into an interesting point of reflection: every spiritual path that I've ever encountered espouses that one should strive to emulate the energy of a child. To approach life and the circumstances that it presents to us in a childlike way. What does this mean? When I have the chance to watch children I see a willingness to give and receive love openly with out judgment, expectations or strings attached. Children don't perceive separation. Children are honest, often direct, speak their truth, and love unconditionally. If there is any kind of misunderstanding they are easily over it and moving on to the next thing. Children don't often hold on to anger, resentment, fear, or resistance.
As adults we become much more aware of "who we are", I don't necessarily mean this in the Spiritual sense of coming to know ones True Self. I pray each of us does come to know that part of ourselves but what I'm really referring to is how we begin to feel separation from those around us, not only people but the world at large. Perhaps this cultivates a need for us to protect ourselves. We begin to loose our childlike carefree faith, the feeling that we are taken care of by something larger than ourselves. In turn we try and take the wheel, steering our own ship so to speak. By doing this we begin to disconnect ourselves from the natural flow of Energy that is ever present as a gift from Spirit.
So if this is true, which I'm not saying it is or it isn't, (that is for each individual to explore for themselves) how might we begin to regain or cultivate that childlike energy in our lives? We could dance. move. breath. create. share. soften. Explore. Laugh. Let go. Look up. Touch the earth. Sing. Anything that brings us joy, that moves our energy in a way that releases that which is no longer serving us. Basically all that is needed is to surrender and ask Spirit for guidance and assistance on how to open our hearts and let go of the obstacles that are in our path. Those obstacles could be any number of things such as fear, anger, jealousy, insecurity or even guilt. I'm just hitting the highlights to make the point. What ever it is that is causing us to forget who we truly are, they are obstacles. This doesn't mean that we need to pass judgment on them, actually finding an authentic compassion for ourselves and the things in this life that we struggle with is a huge blessing. As we learn to be more compassionate and open our hearts to our own struggles and short comings then we learn to do the same for others.
Do you ever find yourself passing judgment, even if silently on someone else when they are struggling with something? I know I have, more times than I wish to admit. My beloved guru would often remind us that what we see in others is merely a reflection of ourselves. I am much harsher on others with things that I too am currently struggling with or have struggled with in the past. What kind of sense does that make? None if you ask me, but regardless it is what I have seen in myself more times than not. These are the opportunities for us to develop compassion and own those areas of our lives that perhaps aren't fully developed or polished. As we become more understanding with ourselves we can then extend that out to those around us and in doing so we offer solace and support instead of adding to the already sensitive issue.
Here are a few suggestions that have been made to me by very wise people that I try to practice:
1. Watch your thoughts: Every thought lands where it is intended. Whether it is towards yourself or an other.
2. See yourself in every being, See God in everyone.
3. If you are pointing fingers know that one finger point away but three are pointed right back at you.
4. Always try to be kind and helpful. Be sweet. Be authentic.
So, lets bring it back full circle. Let us find our inner child and let him or her play wildly with out restriction. Let them love and be loved, let them sing and share with out expectation. Let them be hurt and heal, and to forget all the nonsense of the material world once in a while. Allowing your inner child to mingle in the world will take you further than you can ever image along the road to Peace.
Below are a few links that I thought might be fun to explore that are related in different ways to this post:
Asheville Movement Collective (A community for spiritual ecstatic dance)
Greensboro School of Creativity - an amazing place to explore what moves you.
An article on having child like faith
http://www.mysticsaint.info/2006/03/have-childlike-faith_04.html
Matthew 18:3 (New Centery Version)
Then he said, "I tell you the truth, you must change and become like little children. Otherwise, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Thank you all who have taken the time to read this post, please feel free to respond or add things that have been inspiring to you. Stories. Photos. Experiences. This space is what we make it!
Let us live in light and love
Om Om
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