DocM
|
Socrates is given credit for saying "the unexamined life is not worth living." And Albert (recoverer) and I have been having an interesting conversation in an another thread about the need to confront issues from one's past, one's past life (perhaps), and release these things in order to function better and progress in spirit.
Many believe that we chose the basics of our earthly life in generalities, that we or our guides had a hand in the planning of it (in a basic but not all inclusive way). Others doubt any pre-planning and see our lives as diving into the physical like scuba divers, exploring, living, and then returning to spirit (almost like a vacation - I think Bruce used that analogy before).
For many, becoming self aware is vital, as the person feels that they must understand all past traumas, and the origins of their past fears in order to release them, and progress in spirit. This often leads to introspection, and in my experience, many people do not release these traumas, but relive them again and again.
As an example, I have an aunt, whom I love dearly, yet at the dinner table, she often recounts how her mother favored her sister (my mother) as a child, offering her the choicest sweets, etc. I knew my grandmother well, and I believe she loved my aunt equally to my mother, but it is all past history. My aunt however feels that some parts of her adult behavior were based on a perceived lack of love or coming in "second." At this stage, she (my aunt) is in near 80, and her mother long dead. She feels that keeping in touch with this insight will help her progress. For me, it is a giant weight that she carries around - if she hasn't let go of it at age 80, when will she?
All of this does lead to a point from my perspective. That is, that I don't believe that a person must confront all previous psychic wounds and traumas one by one in order to progress spiritually. The formula of the universe, framed by the golden rule and insight into loving others is a beautiful and simple one. I believe that to some extent, getting in touch with love means giving up on ego based thinking, without giving up on individuality. Yet going over and over past traumas in order to release them makes one search through indulge and confront one's ego. Of course this may be one way to release fears and hindering beliefs.
However, fear and hindering beliefs may be removed by understanding and accepting the principle of PUL, and expressing it to others. Bruce and others have noted success when, in meditation they ask for help in removing a hindering belief system from their higher self. Applying intent to progress and improve may (in my opinion), be more important than delving into the past in detail. To each his/her own. For me, it may be that the unexamined life is not worth living. Yet the over-examined life might drive one crazy.
My thoughts for this morning.
Matthew
|