“The world is too dangerous for anything but the truth and too small for anything but love.” William Sloan Coffin
This quote hangs on a wall in my studio next to a picture of my favorite aunt with her angel wings. It is one of my all time favorite quotes. You many wonder what this, and the picture, has to do with conscious, creative living!
To me, they are the underpinnings of our program. Both are about “purpose”, personal and global. My aunt led an engaged, active and open life until the day she died. Julie was a masseuse who traveled to Thailand for special training, worked with the homeless, participated in her church and a regular meditation sangha, created beautiful fused glass and pottery, had two husbands and two wives, adored her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren and extended family. We all felt seen and cherished by her generosity and warmth.
There is a popular saying in our family that goes along with this – “Reality wins”. To face the truth fearlessly, with compassion and love, opens up the world and unites us – we are all in this together. It’s hard to develop appropriate boundaries when danger is not taken seriously. And yet, we often exaggerate the threat and retreat rather than standing firm and actually checking it out.
Looking at danger realistically is part of owning our strengths, checking our allies, gathering and protecting our resources. And then moving more confidently into a conscious and creative life.
Loving ourselves is the basis for loving the world. Inspite of our faults, failures, and imperfections we are each precious and have a unique light to bring into the world. We may not have grown up with this message but it is ours to claim now. Let your light shine!
Ask yourself –
How do I evaluate danger?
Are my fears mostly real or imaginary?
What are they keeping me from exploring?
Where and when am I my most free and loving self?