Musings from the Sanctuary: Are we evolving?
I read the following quote by an anonymous author in a book on yoga. It started me thinking about evolution in an emotional and spiritual sense. Are we as a culture evolving to some higher, more enlightened state. Hmm…looking around the world, I have strong doubts. Forgetting for a moment the more extreme examples of emotional and spiritual immaturity, such as fanaticism and wars, in this country we seem to be becoming even more obsessed with shallow materialism and seem to spend more time and energy pretending that problems don’t exist than trying to solve them. But on an individual level, I think there’s some reason for optimism. In this forum, I have seen many examples of individuals trying to reach out and comfort others, focusing on others needs and not just there own suffering. Perhaps the reality of facing a chronic illness forces us to embrace life in a deeper more encompassing way, ultimately resulting in a willingness to allow life to change us…to evolve. The secret ingredient is a willingness to “let go and allow life in”.
“Life itself expands me when I let it. I point to my known edge and say, “That’s it. I can’t go past there. That’s my limit!” But of course life comes calling as it always does, not respecting borders, asking me to stretch again, and then still more, until I can’t even recognize who I am. You know how it is – challenge, tragedy, grief or ecstasy; where I am right now just can’t stay static – the pull toward growth and evolution is too strong. When I let go, when I allow life in, I grow before I even notice what is happening.”
As for myself, I find some comfort in the thought that suffering is a powerful force for transformation, that I am evolving into a more whole person that is in some ways better than the old me of a few years ago. Perhaps I am deluding myself…but hey, it’s got to be better than reality TV!
I hope you find peace and joy in your life,
Alan
PS: I will also post on RASUSHI for more casual discussion if desired.
http://rasushi.jconserv.net/index.php
[QUOTE=Alan]“Life itself expands me when I let it. I point to my known edge and say, “That’s it. I can’t go past there. That’s my limit!” [/QUOTE]
I'm there, at my limit. Do I have to let any more in?
I'm holding onto that thought Alan.Alan,
I hope we, collectively, are evolving. I don't know, but I hope.
Now that I have RA, I know I'm more committed than ever to living a rich life. I know I notice more that's good in my day than I did before. I know I'm reaping at least as many benefits as frustrations in the slowing down I've had to do so far, though I don't think that makes the actual frustrations any easier!
What you said about letting go and letting life in. That strikes a chord. I have to think about that.
Good post. Thanks.
Deanna, I'm voting that you don't have to let any more in for a while!! You're overdue for some of that comfort zone which virtues you sometimes debate (with great points on both sides) with some other posters.