Choosing Freedom

The concept of projection is quite similar to the concept of the reversal of cause and effect. This is the reason our expectations are seen as linear. As such, the ego creates an expectation based on what it is feeling and then looks for indications in the world around it that its expectation is right on. For example, if we are feeling unhappy, we will have a tendency look to the world to validate our reasons for being unhappy.

However, when we are truly honest with ourselves, we come to realize that we are not our feelings, thoughts or emotions. Simultaneously, we can easily appreciate the insight that true happiness must arise from within.

I love this offering from A Course in Miracles that is a reflection of the same wisdom:

Every brother [sister] you meet becomes a witness for Christ or for the ego, depending on what you perceive in him. Everyone convinces you of what you want to perceive, and of the reality of the kingdom you have chosen for your vigilance. Everything you perceive is a witness to the thought system you want to be true. Every brother has the power to release you, if you choose to be free. ~ ACIM. Chapter 11. V. The "Dynamics" of the Ego

Today, I am choosing Freedom.

Photoart by Cathy Ginter

Breaking Free

Your way begins on the other side. Become the sky. Take an axe to the prison wall. Escape. Walk out like someone suddenly born into color. ~ Rumi

When my son was going through one of his growth spurts as a teenager, his legs would sometimes hurt. I would smile and tell him that he was having growing pains because his feet were developing at a faster rate than his legs, stretching the muscles in odd ways.

It is the same for the traveler on the spiritual path as the auric field begins to shift. A feeling of discomfort is experienced because there is still a resistance or a holding onto old, familiar patterns of conditioning. This unease is aggravated by a swinging back and forth between love and fear that can create quite a bit of suffering in the process. Moreover while the Heart chakra is opening quite naturally and with great ease, the mind is still reminding us to take care and be distrustful of people or life situations that have deceived us in the past.

With practice and awareness, we become more comfortable with a new sense of peace and well being that is taking over. Gratefully, at some point, we realize that all suffering is a prison of our own making. As we break free of the walls around us, we open to the spaciousness of our true Self. And yes, suddenly, there is color everywhere.

Photoart by Cathy Ginter