Steve,
I had a thought today, after reading your reply, that progress isn't necessarily a linear experience. Those same disturbing vibrations are something we ourselves are capable of and at times, our attention to our practices and loftier goals become a thing of little to no interest. Whether the pull of Life is grabbing us and asking us to reassess our current model of perception or whether one might consider these moments as bouts of Spiritual Amnesia, we are also engrossed by the Ego and similarly not immediately aware of our sometimes regrettable course of action. I agree with your sentiments on the blessings to be found in particular relationships. I have discovered very kind friends that are responsive and make an effort to better themselves and I know because I desire the same that this is why I might be around such inspiring people. The truth is God is to be found in everyone, even the seemingly unkind- though they may not be presently aware of their own greatness, there are blessings for such interactions. I am happy to be able to let go because all we are holding on to at this point are thoughts and emotions, a playback of unresolved and unfulfilled desires and when we practice letting go of these attachments by the practice of directing our awareness in meditation- the liberating effect it has on helping us move on from the past, now severed, connections become recognizable as a beautiful aura of peace or understanding envelops us. If we can maintain our practices, we can forgive our transgressions and others and honor the God within with gratitude for the opening of our Hearts by the grace of a living Spirit. Murshid Inayat Khan speaks in the back of my mind and reminds me that sorrow is an immediate heart-opener, we accept the poison Life can offer as a blessing- Suffering leading ultimately to liberation.
Jai Guru.
Yes Eric I can relate. It is easier to see clearer in moments of spiritual inspiration. We all backslide and the linear path is not a smooth forward motion but often fraught with detours down pot whole roads. When the pull of life grabs us it can easily be a moment of spiritual amnesia. I don’t have the answers but I can come up with some problem solving questions. Perhaps that’s the best I can offer at this point in time.
Can severed relationships also be seen as an expression of individuality also? Some of us must explore our own unique paths apart from us as we do the same? Attraction and repulsion being seen as two sides to a coin. They eventually show their face on each side....Like dice or a coin thrown in the air depending on circumstances which side will land next throw up in the air.
This line you wrote rings true to me in moments of understanding and gratitude;
“I am happy to be able to let go because all we are holding on to at this point are thoughts and emotions, a playback of unresolved and unfulfilled desires and when we practice letting go of these attachments by the practice of directing our awareness in meditation- the liberating effect it has on helping us move on from the past, now severed, connections become recognizable as a beautiful aura of peace or understanding envelops us.~ Eric
We can feel love for those we have been with and appreciate their unique contributions to our life despite having to also appreciate the uniqueness of our current differences and separation. As we continue to pray for them we can develop our own compassion through our own struggles with ourselves and appreciate their unique journey and spiritual lessons which may be entirely different than our own at different times. We come to many crossroads in life where we momentarily stop and may see a rest area along the way where we enjoy the company of others we meet. But soon we are back on our personal journey again-that really is ours alone to travel. I imagine we are just fortunate to meet a stranger along the way-that will keep us company for a while-ultimately to leave at a time, of departure, unknown to us but inevitably to come in a future yet unknown.
