Thursday, August 10, 2006 at 12:12am
Pay attention to the results
Column: Our Place in the Universe
I've been writing a lot recently about how important it is to understanding or "see" the process. I have written that it is in the giving and the receiving that we grow and change. This relationship is what creates the environment around us, and the habits that become the framework of our life.
Transformation can only take place within this process. The interconnection we have with each other, as well as with the rest of creation, is what makes life, as we know it, possible — one large organism, or Gaia, supporting, nurturing, and embracing "life."
I've also talked a bit about our roots or inheritance. "Remembering" that we are a part of the Creator, as well as a part of the process, gives a new meaning to our responsibility as the awareness of creation. It also helps focus the direction we take as we act.
Then there's the "moment." Becoming aware or mindful of the moment of grace we stand within also helps us keep in contact with our roots. The "moment" of knowing Self comes when we find the God within. It is this cosmic, unique, and eternal Self finding the perfect 90-degree angle of connection with all others and the Source.
Next there is "intent." Dwelling in the moment, finding the God-Self within, engaging with all I come in contact with in a harmonious love, can only happen if I bend my will and set that intention. That intention is what calls to the powers that be and makes things happen.
However, what I feel called to write about today is not transformation, remembering, or awareness. It goes beyond the formation of intentional giving and receiving. What I would like to call attention to today is to the result.
None of the above is enough, not my actions, not my intentions, not my efforts if the result doesn't reflect the same freedom, peace, unity, happiness and balance as is found in the rest of creation. Even if the results are not immediate ones, the responses from those around us will still indicate the direction that one is heading in.
As my sister says, "It is experience that bridges the gap between heart and mind and helps us to determine our own truth." However this does not give us carte blanche to act whatever way we feel in order to express our beliefs. This truth must be firmly grounded in the principles of creation, flowing in symphony with those around us.
Our truths must also be accompanied by responsibility engendered by our awareness of these principles. But most importantly these truths must pursue accomplishments that bring joy, peace and harmony to others.
In my column "One Plus One Equals Three" I surmise that the fundamental purpose of giving and receiving is the unity that results from our interaction with others, becoming one through love. Through this creation and expansion we receive joy.
Creating a coherent, symbiotic whole seems to be one of those principles of creation that we can observe all around us. Within human society, man and woman together expand to a family, a neighborhood, a community, a nation, a world. We must value our relationships, treating each participant with reverence and love. The results of this interaction will bring about a balance and solidarity that will be beautiful to behold.
We don't always need to agree, to believe the same way, to feel the same way, or even to understand each other. An overarching respect and humility though, will reflect the other's God-Self and Self-value. They say that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. We're so ready for the next step. The road to heaven is paved with good results. They are the steps that build the dance of life that moves to the rhythm of the spheres.
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Anne E. Ulvestad is a freelance writer residing in Maryland. She has her masters in earth literacy, and is available for public lectures and group presentations on Spirituality and the Environment. Anne can be reached at {email anne@ourplaceintheuniverse.com}anne@ourplaceintheuniverse.com{/email}. © copyright 2006 by Anne E. Ulvestad
— — —
ReligionAndSpirituality.com is a big tent for all expressions
of faith and spirituality, neither excluding nor favoring any.
All opinions expressed belong to the writer alone, and are
not necessarily shared by ReligionAndSpirituality.com.
Transformation can only take place within this process. The interconnection we have with each other, as well as with the rest of creation, is what makes life, as we know it, possible — one large organism, or Gaia, supporting, nurturing, and embracing "life."
I've also talked a bit about our roots or inheritance. "Remembering" that we are a part of the Creator, as well as a part of the process, gives a new meaning to our responsibility as the awareness of creation. It also helps focus the direction we take as we act.
Then there's the "moment." Becoming aware or mindful of the moment of grace we stand within also helps us keep in contact with our roots. The "moment" of knowing Self comes when we find the God within. It is this cosmic, unique, and eternal Self finding the perfect 90-degree angle of connection with all others and the Source.
Next there is "intent." Dwelling in the moment, finding the God-Self within, engaging with all I come in contact with in a harmonious love, can only happen if I bend my will and set that intention. That intention is what calls to the powers that be and makes things happen.
However, what I feel called to write about today is not transformation, remembering, or awareness. It goes beyond the formation of intentional giving and receiving. What I would like to call attention to today is to the result.
None of the above is enough, not my actions, not my intentions, not my efforts if the result doesn't reflect the same freedom, peace, unity, happiness and balance as is found in the rest of creation. Even if the results are not immediate ones, the responses from those around us will still indicate the direction that one is heading in.
As my sister says, "It is experience that bridges the gap between heart and mind and helps us to determine our own truth." However this does not give us carte blanche to act whatever way we feel in order to express our beliefs. This truth must be firmly grounded in the principles of creation, flowing in symphony with those around us.
Our truths must also be accompanied by responsibility engendered by our awareness of these principles. But most importantly these truths must pursue accomplishments that bring joy, peace and harmony to others.
In my column "One Plus One Equals Three" I surmise that the fundamental purpose of giving and receiving is the unity that results from our interaction with others, becoming one through love. Through this creation and expansion we receive joy.
Creating a coherent, symbiotic whole seems to be one of those principles of creation that we can observe all around us. Within human society, man and woman together expand to a family, a neighborhood, a community, a nation, a world. We must value our relationships, treating each participant with reverence and love. The results of this interaction will bring about a balance and solidarity that will be beautiful to behold.
We don't always need to agree, to believe the same way, to feel the same way, or even to understand each other. An overarching respect and humility though, will reflect the other's God-Self and Self-value. They say that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. We're so ready for the next step. The road to heaven is paved with good results. They are the steps that build the dance of life that moves to the rhythm of the spheres.
— — —
Anne E. Ulvestad is a freelance writer residing in Maryland. She has her masters in earth literacy, and is available for public lectures and group presentations on Spirituality and the Environment. Anne can be reached at {email anne@ourplaceintheuniverse.com}anne@ourplaceintheuniverse.com{/email}. © copyright 2006 by Anne E. Ulvestad
ReligionAndSpirituality.com is a big tent for all expressions
of faith and spirituality, neither excluding nor favoring any.
All opinions expressed belong to the writer alone, and are
not necessarily shared by ReligionAndSpirituality.com.