One of the pitfalls of a spiritually focused lifestyle is the tendency to denigrate the world and diminish the significance of what we do here, seeing activity as inferior to being itself. Because the emphasis and goal of enlightened spiritual practice is to know oneself as formless essence, we might be tempted to believe that it matters little what we do here. Yet a singular focus on the inner life will deny us the privilege, if not the responsibility, to take our place in the evolutionary process in which each of us has a key role.
Spiritual teacher and author, Andrew Cohen advocates for allowing that which is "truly higher...to emerge through us..." that empowers us to use our spiritual insight to make a difference in the world. For despite the relative, temporary nature of the physical world it remains undeniably the ground upon which we are currently assigned to live, move and have our Being. We do not have to be conformed to this world as the apostle Paul admonished, but transformed -- awake and fully functional on this plane of life. A balanced approach transcends and includes the world and the choices it offers, in order to bring an engaged spirituality where we embrace our humanity while we express our spirituality.
When we see that our spiritual yearnings are connected to the unfoldment of the greater good we can open to a sense of our divine purpose or assignment. This is the recognition that we each have a special gift that only we can share in a particular way that serves the world. Life is not capricious - it does not on one hand give us the passion and talent for something that would not serve a greater evolutionary purpose. The world needs our enlightened and engaged action. If we are to know our authentic self we must be consciously committed to the expression of the beauty, perfection, and wholeness revealed by our spiritual practice, not merely sit on it. Our recognition of this unique purpose and willingness to give ourselves fully to its expression is the way we cooperate with the evolutionary impulse while bringing meaning to our lives.
We can inquire more deeply. "What does life want from you?'How do you fit in the totality? What is your place in the whole?" When we venture beyond the cave of our personal awakening, we are available to be used by Infinite Love and Intelligence for its greatest purpose. We can hear and express our heart song. If we listen deeply enough, we can hear the music of our heart that fills us with a purpose and passion and then let that purpose inform our choices and guide our steps.
As Rumi encouraged, "Let the beauty of what you love, be what you do." Allowing the recognition of inner beauty to take form in the world is a mighty mission, at any age and stage of life. It's never too late to dedicate your life to the expression of Divine Love, knowing unquestionably that it will be a blessing to the world.
Peace and blessings,
Larry
Thank you for this Rev. Larry. It's beautifully written and spoke to my heart. I'm guided to lean in a little deeper, open my heart a little wider and ask the questions...and then Listen. I'm here to Live, Give, Serve and Love and I have a deep desire to be doing so with the Divine Guiding me in All ways and All days. Today, I will take time to assure that I'm paying attention and living fully into my "heart song". Blessings Abound to you!