a spiritual approach...
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Prayer for the Spiritual Warriors |
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The television reporter, after intricately describing a
dramatic series of incidents that led to an unfavorable outcome for numerous
people, closed the news story by stating that a difficult situation had been
made worse because no one had yet been blamed for the results. His words flowed
smoothly and with great authority. What an interesting statement, I
thought. Beyond words, the energy of his conclusion suggested that when facing
an undesirable experience, there is no greater pain in life than the inability
to ferret out a tangible culprit. His well-practiced matter-of-fact tone
carried with it the implication that when things go wrong, the pathway to peace
ultimately lies in pinpointing and punishing a perpetrator.
And so we slumber.
I do not believe in excusing or denying poor behavior by
others or myself. Indeed, it is essential that violence, hatred, and
egregiously harmful intentions be actively addressed and justly resolved as best
we can. Diligent study and ultimate discernment of the root cause of all
experience is a worthwhile and productive endeavor. But the mundane yet
compelling game of “pin the tail on the donkey” can go too far.
Jesus knew this, and ultimately surrendered His life so as
to demonstrate the enlightened teaching: the consciousness of blame does not
create enduring solutions to life’s problems.
Individually and as a global society, this issue is truly
up for us. It always has been, but now more than ever. As the world gets
connectively smaller and problems continue to grow in complexity and intensity,
the blame game reveals itself as increasingly ineffective.
In a recent interview, Spiritual Teacher Marianne
Williamson said, “Attack and defense are built into the mental fabric of the
world in which we live. Escaping that toxicity, first within ourselves, and then
in the world, takes a bit of Divine intervention, and that is what a true
spiritual path offers - Divine help in shifting our thought patterns from fear
and blame to love and blessings. A true spiritual path is a mind training in
which we build the mental musculature to think in a different, more loving and
more forgiving way.”
Amen. As Spiritual Warriors ushering in an evolutionary
shift into an age of greater accountability, it is a daunting directive. And
oh, so empowering.
Let us actively call for and fearlessly embrace Divine help
in this regard.
The television reporter in search of the culprit isn’t
reprehensible. He isn’t part of a mass conspiracy. Mostly, I suppose, he is
unconsciously caught up in the alluring web of good and bad, right and wrong,
victim and victimizer, crime and punishment. It’s an aspect of what has been
called the Human Condition. We’ve all been stuck in that web. (Come into my
parlor, said the spider to the fly.) But as spiritually grounded and pioneering
reporters investigating the story of life, with Divine assistance, you and I can
take a different approach. We can ask thoughtful and gentle questions of others
and ourselves that are centered on the power of choice and its impact on cause
and effect.
When my children were young and everyday problems arose, I
did my best to recognize their childhood innocence and at the same time ask
meaningful questions that assisted them in recognizing the part they played in
creating their experience. I wasn't always easy on them...and more than
once repeated a statement I had heard from my own parents: "You made your
bed, now sleep in it." Mostly, as they grew and matured, I did not view
them as helpless victims of circumstance, but as active participants in life,
accountable for their choices. I did my best to guide them to adulthood
with a healthy understanding of personal choice and accountability.
(I am clearly blessed by the fact that - other than mostly
typical difficulties, trials and tribulations of family life - myself or my
children have never been horrifically or irreparably harmed by another human
being. God's Grace. Oh, what compassion I have for those who have
experienced such things...a difficult road to travel. May I always hold them in
my prayers.)
Years ago, comedian Flip Wilson always got a laugh with his
memorable line, "The devil made me do it." It's funny, because it's
relatable. We understand the appeal of blaming someone or something...and
the devil is certainly a convenient target.
How profound. (Good humor is good art, and Spirit
moves through art.)
The mature spiritual path is a path of personal
accountability. Not the easy, unconscious accountability of finger pointing
blame, but the accountability of seeking greater understanding - of self and
others. The spiritual path recognizes choice as causal; that all that we
experience, both individually and collectively, is a result of our choices.
I pray for Divine assistance that I practice the power and
truth in that understanding on a daily basis. And I pray that you continue to
join me. |