A Way of Being in the World

Inner satisfaction becomes more important than worldly gain or the desire to control or influence others. Attraction replaces promotion. Eventually, resistances are no longer related to worldly life and its perceived values. Instead, the inner intention is one of purity and selflessness. Thus, evolution becomes the consequence of the process itself rather than as a consequence of seekingness or acquisition.

With spiritual evolution, nurturance is no longer sought from the narcissistic ego but instead from the Self. Fulfillment of potential is rewarding in and of itself and is not needful of recognition or gain. Pleasure at gain is replaced by gratitude for the unfolding of the inner process itself. The need for externals disappears spontaneously. The evolutionary process requires less and less effort as it becomes a way of being in the world.

From  Discovery of the Presence of God: Devotional Nonduality, p. 100-101

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is an aspect of love that allows us to see life events from the viewpoint of grace.  We forgive ourselves for the errors we made when we were less evolved.  It is helpful to see the ego or small part of ourselves as a cute little teddy bear.  The teddy bear is not “bad”; we don’t hate or scold the little bear.  We love it and accept it for what it is: a cute little animal who doesn’t know any better.  We transcend the smaller aspects of ourselves by accepting and loving them.   We see the ego as “limited,” not “bad.”

In the energy field of love, we are surrounded with love, and that brings gratitude.  We are thankful for our life and for all the miracles of life.  We are thankful for the doggies and the kitties, because they represent love.  We are grateful for every act of kindness from others, their affection, caringness, and thoughtfulness.

From Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender, ch. 12, pg. 175-176

Choose the Positive

The way out of conflict is not to try to eliminate the negative but instead to choose and adopt the positive. To view that one’s mission in life is to understand rather than to judge automatically resolves moral dilemmas.

… Much relief is experienced when we realize that by adopting a spiritual life, righteous condemnation and the hate that ensues from it can be left to others. This pursuit of the spiritual ‘good’ benefits all mankind, and it could therefore be said to be the most praiseworthy vocation of all.

The spiritual commitment then defines a distinct role that differs from that of the uncommitted person. It implies a different set of standards and focus of energy and attention from the ordinary seeking of the vanities of the ego and worldly accomplishments. One sacrifices material or egocentric gain for spiritual progress, and in so doing, the transient is subordinated to the permanent, and that which is of true value is chosen over that which is only an illusion.

From  The Eye of the I: From Which Nothing Is Hidden p. 67-68

Everyone is Free to Make a Choice

Everyone is exposed to life in its expression as nature, and also human interaction, called society. This interaction is impersonal, and the vicissitudes of life are inevitable and unavoidable. This can be either challenging or depressing, depending solely on one’s point of view. Without positionalities, life is experienced as serene and interesting. It potentiates growth and, hopefully, wisdom rather than self-pity or bitterness. Everyone is free to make a choice. The rain does not determine whether one will be happy or disappointed. The surrender of willfulness/positionality brings peace in all circumstances.

Power versus Force

On examination, we see that power arises from meaning. It has to do with motive, and it has to do with principle. Power is always associated with that which supports the significance of life itself. It appeals to that in human nature which we call noble, in contrast to force, which appeals to that which we call crass. Power appeals to that which uplifts, dignifies, and ennobles. Force must always be justified, whereas power requires no justification. Force is associated with the partial, power with the whole.

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