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Have you noticed how different everything seems when you look through the filtered ‘lens of fear’? When we identify with fear, we get confused, lose our orientation and the knowing and sensing of our true nature goes out the window. And then – have you noticed how different everything seems when you look through the direct, unfiltered ‘lens of freedom’? When we allow everything in our experience its freedom without identification – we’re not chaining any thoughts or feelings to us - we remain clear, open hearted and the knowing and sensing of our true nature opens. What lens we use, so to speak, is key to the level of our understanding. When our lens is fear based it’s a personal kind of lens. Things then feel personal and lacking, including our sense of self. And when our lens is freedom based it is a universal kind of lens. Everything flows freely which allows the potential to discover our true nature.  We have the power and freedom to investigate both lens – the personal and the universal. Investigating both consciously helps us distinguish between what is true and what is false. And then, with this clarity, to choose what is true. Awhile ago, a young person concerned about what's going on in the world
asked me how she could gain clarity about it all. She was confused about whether our society's actions are in the best interest of humanity and how she could tell if they are. That conversation prompted me to write this article which you can read free on substack here. The article shares how the 'two lens' of perception have the power to clarify our understanding of even world events. If that article resonates with you please consider signing up for the free newsletter. Thank you! “As above, so below, as within, so without: as the universe, so the soul … “ - Hermes Trismegistus Whatever thoughts and feelings we're having – it’s through openness to them that the truth about them becomes clear. In openness we bring them closer, see through their stickiness and sense into what is beyond those thoughts and feelings. None of that would unfold – inquiry would stop short – discovery would not be made – if we censor our thoughts and feelings. The only reason we would censor them is because we're afraid of what they may mean - but it is only revealed 'what they mean' when we don't censor them. Censorship in society works the same. It hides rather than reveals. It’s fear based rather than love based. It cuts investigation short and makes discovery impossible. It's very helpful to be aware of this pull within us to censor - as well as the immense pull within our society to go along with censorship. If interested, here is a short article I wrote about censorship titled: Does Censorship Make Sense When Following The Science? Please consider signing up for that free substack newsletter if that article resonates with you.  Love is not afraid to look.
It doesn't turn things away. Love is open, wise, inclusive, and unafraid. Spiritual inquiry into the truth of our nature is often compared to a scientific investigation. Inquiry is a one pointed focused investigation which welcomes everything. Censorship is not a part of spiritual inquiry just as it is not a part of any pure scientific investigation. When we’re interested in truth we’re not interested in censoring or avoiding anything. As we welcome all of our experience, all thoughts and feelings, we have the opportunity to not only sense into our true nature – but to realize the nature of thoughts and feelings. From the understanding and sensing of our true nature we come to realize that thoughts and feelings are not at all a problem - it's only identification with them that make them seem like a problem. But if we censor thoughts and feelings we don’t come to realize that. Whatever we avoid looking at stays hidden. Inquiry, like scientific investigation, brings things closer for a more intimate look - it does not push things away.  The Heart is open and welcoming naturally, effortlessly, timelessly ... censorship happens when we don't realize that. Fear, which can creep in and take over so very easily when we’re not vigilant, traps us in a cycle of confusion masquerading as clarity. Even though fear, at a certain level, may seem reasonable, valid and trustworthy – it inevitably brings havoc wherever it lands. If fear could speak its voice would seem strong and confident and its words so very reassuring – kind of something like this: “To be safe you need only follow me. You can trust me to keep you on the right track. No need to listen to your Heart – that still small voice can barely be heard anyway – my voice alone is worthy of your trust. You have known me for so long, I am familiar to you – stay the course, stick with me and all will be well.” The more upside down things in our life and in our world seem, the more powerful fear’s voice will seem – unless we turn to consider ‘the whisper’.  When we begin to consider the whisper
fear’s voice begins to fade. This is the power of our voice - what we choose comes to the forefront. In your experience, are you discovering that it is possible to be open to uncomfortable feelings within without trying to get rid of them? And in your experience, are you discovering that it is possible to be open to uncomfortable feelings within others without trying to get rid of them? **************** Most of us – if not all of us – are conditioned to try and alleviate uncomfortable feelings within us by any means necessary. Whether through distractions like food or TV or exercise or even meditation – we try to get rid of what doesn’t feel good through resisting feelings rather than allowing them to be. And many of us are conditioned to try and alleviate uncomfortable or angry feelings within others by any means necessary. Whether through distraction, humor or apology even though unwarranted – we try and get things ‘back to normal’ through resisting what they are feeling and expressing rather than allowing them that experience.  Realizing our Freedom does involve becoming comfortable with 'the uncomfortable'
 The listening to the still small voice is more like a sensing … Sense now if there is anything to fear. Sense now if there is anything lacking. Sense now directly ‘if all is well already’.
 To be free of identification with fear reveals the fullness of Love for everything and everyone. |
It is all very simple. Instead of seeing things imagined, learn to see them as they are. When you can see everything as it is, you will also see yourself as you are. It is like cleansing a mirror. The same mirror that shows you the world as it is, will also show you your own face."
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