Aspects of Being
One can be encouraged to be themselves. This, of course, does not always occur. One can also bow to the notion that conformity is the safest path to follow, well trodden that it is. If 'the path' is once questioned, it seems that we can battle with it on-and-off all of our lives, and this 'battle' unfolds not long after we start out. Becoming conscious of the world around us in our early years, we begin by seeking approval from our parents. This effort may be rewarded by what we instinctively long for: acceptance and a feeling of belonging. If our own path becomes "easier" from there, it may be because our parents recognized and encouraged our individual talents and gifts, surrounding us with the initial environment that granted us invigorating "permission" to look further. Naturally, we start out with many questions, and if these were answered with patience, we become a discerning and ever-curious soul. A lack of this may slow down the process, though it does not ultimately extinguish that singular flame within us.... Yet to some, as may happen later on, questioning and exploration may come to represent a form of anarchy. Even if we do not perceive it as such ourselves, the reactions of others around us define this attitude as very real, as well as prevalent. We must begin by recognizing that this stance comes only from fear, the same trepidation that we, with few exceptions I dare say, have encountered in ourselves. Of course, there is also the question of how we grow to wear our curiosity, how we display and express what we feel and know to others. It can alienate, and it can be confrontational. It can also lead to more walls being erected than existed before. We may not be responsible, per se, for how others react, yet very often our initial attempts at expression can lead to what seems like an assault on another's beliefs. This leads us nowhere closer to true communication - it is simply a futile exercise in who is "right". Sadly, some never grow out of this method. True curiosity and a sincere love of knowing do not need to be validated by such tactics. There are those who will always shun what many of us see as welcome gifts, innate in all of us. Despite the most heartfelt revelations of insight and awareness, many cling to a narrow interpretation of "how things should be" - for it is familiar to them, on the path that they are on. One might remember firstly the compassion it takes to acknowledge that Fear is a powerful motivator and dissuader in this Human Condition. Secondly, it does the heart good to know that those who possess the desire for positive change have been and are, legion - the good company of such others is never lacking. Thirdly, and not least, it is the curious ones that know, in fact, that we all have much to learn from each other as well as from our individual soulful explorations....This journey belongs to all of us! ~ To walk in God's
Garden means to learn to appreciate all that lies therein....
Pushed, I will fight back
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