When art is alive in any person, whatever his kind of work may be, he becomes an inventive, searching, daring, self-expressing creature.

He becomes interesting to other people. He disturbs, upsets, enlightens and he opens the ways for better understanding.

Where those who are not artists are trying to close the book, he opens it, shows that there are still more pages possible.

The world would stagnate without him, and the world would be beautiful with him; for he is interesting to himself and he is interesting to others.

He does not have to be a painter or a sculptor to be an artist. He can work in any medium. He simply has to find the gain in the work itself, not outside it.

~Robert Henri, The Art Spirit

Recent (and not so recent) “happenings” have brought up a current area that I’ve been exploring with friends both in open forums and in personal exchanges…

Many a friend I have spoken with seems to be pondering over finding the balance in being respectful, compassionate, loving and honest…in varying degrees. 

I see this as most blessed, as too many are prone to merely recite back Truths, instead of integrating them.  When we do not go through the process of integration, we find ourselves presented with an opportunity to put these wisdoms to test. If we do not remain conscious and aware, we can find ourselves reacting as if these pearls of wisdom had never graced our awareness. …and the “test” shows us where we are at in our beliefs and thought structures so that we may choose to evaluate and make the necessary adjustments…if we do not stay awake, we will find ourselves repeating the same thing (in varying shades) over and over and over again until we choose to see what is before us and then integrate it into our way of being…so our ideals become our living Truths. 

We have got to move from philosophy and theory to practical application.

Respect…what does it truly mean to respect another?  Well, here is the word “respect” as defined by the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

RESPECT (HONOUR)   
noun [U]
1. Politeness, honour and care shown towards someone or something that is considered     important.
 
2. When you accept that something which is established or formally agreed is right or important and do not attempt to change it or harm it.
 
3. When you accept that different customs or cultures are different from your own and behave towards them in a way which would not cause offense.
 
respect   
verb [T]
1. To treat something or someone with kindness and care.

2. To accept the importance of someone's rights or customs and to do nothing that would harm them or cause them offence.
 
3.To accept that something which is established or formally agreed is right or important and not to attempt to change it or harm it.

What does one choose to respect when interacting with another individual when the one you are interacting with is so split from their very essence –from Spirit? Do we respect the ego or the soul?

There truly is no “right” or “wrong” course of action. 

But if one wishes to act according to their highest potential in harmony with their ideals, then it becomes an exercise in discernment (Not just discerning where another is coming from, but discerning where we are coming from, as well).

How do you extend compassion, respect and love to one who is acting and reacting from a wounded ego…some even from a base level infused with ill intent?  Once you have defined what is and is not acceptable forms of interaction with another for yourself and they violate your set “boundaries”, what do you do?

Some simply turn and walk the other way from the onset…others, however, choose to stand their ground.  Both are equal in their respective positions…we all have our own Paths to walk, even when traveling with kindred spirits, and therefore have unique reasons for experiencing the infinite possibilities Life gifts us with.

Myself, I’ve come to a place of standing firm for as I see it in this Moment, in order to actualize the end of separation and conflict we have to work our way to it so that we may then turn back and extend ourselves to others coming after us –it does not magically go *poof* by mere knowledge…all the knowledge in the world matters not if it is not transformed to wisdom –if it is not put into action.

There are those of us who are here to show others a different way for those who seek and desire peace, happiness, joy and abundance.  Society is desperate to be shown a higher possibility…A way of being that can stand in the face of adversity without malice and a “system” that does not collapse with the first storm that passes.

How do we show them?  How do we offer up an alternative that would “entice” them from their current point of functioning?  By putting into practice that which we preach and by being willing to openly acknowledge mistakes that are made along the way…for we have nothing to loose and everything to gain by doing so.

Here are a few thoughts I have shared with friends recently:

Perhaps going back the words that we use to express would help...

What is the definition of kind? Dear Merriam gives us this:
2 a : of a sympathetic or helpful nature b : of a forbearing nature : GENTLE c : arising from or characterized by sympathy or forbearance <a kind act>
3 : of a kind to give pleasure or relief

We, as a society have a collective understanding (or misunderstanding) regarding symbols/words that evolves over time...sometimes the original intent/definition of the word gets "lost" by society projecting attributes to the word...when using it to describe a particular thing, society then begins to carry a "mental picture" of what it is "kind" by how it has been applied to a given subject...

So, is it "kind" to sit back and watch a fellow human slit their wrist because another may judge the intervention as cruel, harsh or uncaring?

Is it "kind" to turn the other way when a mother strikes a child in a blind rage, because to call light to what she is doing may bring her pain?

Indeed, we would all agree not doing something could be considered an act void of compassion, kindness, and love...
Because of the beliefs that have been taught and passed down throughout generations, people no longer use their gifts of discernment to accurately gauge a situation...to look beyond the surface of things...whether contemplating their actions, or those of another...

I think the ultimate question when dealing with inter-personal relationships is "what is the *intent* behind the words/action?"

If one chooses to see clearly, the Truth does reveal itself...”

***
“The only compassionate thing I can do, the only compassion I can offer you is Truth…”
”Sometimes, the Truth does indeed hurt.”

***
“Compassion…which is a “higher” compassion: To allow someone to continue in negative thought patterns and violate others boundaries (who have not yet learned to defend their boundaries) by tip-toeing around the pink elephant in the room; or to call to light in Truth the dynamics and undercurrent at play so as to provide all involved individuals the opportunity to make a better choice?”

***
Respect… "tis a matter of offering it up and then from that point it is each individual’s choice to decide what to do with it."

***

So when we are interacting with another it is first and foremost essential to discern why another’s words are provoking the responses that they are in us…

Essential to discern if our response is born of the ego, or the soul, or a mixture of the two…

Essential to ask ourselves what is the intent behind what we would like to say/do…

Essential to ask ourselves if we are attached to any particular outcome once we respond –being affectionately detached is a key to preventing being caught up in a power-struggle, even if it is with “good intent” and with the desire to enlighten the other individual…sometimes our dear egos can take a good intention and wreak havoc with it  ;-)

Once we have taken the time to pause and reflect inwardly before responding, we then have the wonderful opportunity to then look outwardly, see beyond the surface and act in accordance to our highest potential within any given moment…

And then *bless them* regardless of the outcome.

“Why?  Because they are messengers and teachers unaware…they present us with the wonderful opportunities to test our resolve…they help teach us how to find the Balance in polarities…and sometimes they speak a Truth we need to hear, even if it is spoken from a lower vibration and with less than noble intent.  They provide us the ability to gauge and “check” our current level of understanding and see if there are areas that need to be adjusted.”

Who, what, when, where, why, how…

“The courage to fearlessly ask questions is at the core of your spiritual awakening” –The Pleiadians

But what does one do with the answers once they receive them?

Free will and infinite possibilities…gotta love it!

I would love to hear others' thoughts and perspectives on this…tis a beautifully tapestry we are in the process of weaving and we each have so very much to offer in the formation of such~

So I've had a few questions about my daughter, even a suggestion to post some of her pictures up.

I am touched by the curiousity over my Angel of those I am building friendships with here.

But I'm fiercely protective of her,  and  no matter how proud of her I am, I just can't bring myself to post her pictures online (predators in spiritual clothing comes to mind here)...she just turned 8 on the 4th of February (an Aquarian genius, she is *beaming smile*) and she is too old for me not to consult her wishes but still too young to make a fully informed decision..but take my word, she's beautiful and you can see the Light shining from her intense eyes  ;-)

And she is the one thing that I am very guarded and reserved on in talking about...and to explain why would delve into areas I'm just not ready to talk about in such an open forum...soon, I'm sure...but not yet.

So *thank you* for asking and wondering over such a huge aspect of my life that has been so instrumental in shaping me into the woman I am now...and keeps me anchored here when I'd rather float off into other realms  ;-)

I have a confession to make...

A secret indulgence that some have snorted in righteous disapproval over...

I watch reality shows...

I know, I know...I know all the arguments against it, but I can't seem to help myself...

I don't even watch tv, I disconnected from it quite some time ago and had not watched one since (well, ok...there was that time I fell of the wagon and watched a couple back in late summer --but it was only for a couple of months --I swear)...

But by a series of events totally beyond my own doing (seriously now), I happened to catch a flash and I took the bait --hook, line and sinker.

I'm a people watcher by nature and the reality show phenomenon seems to be a heightened level of the more mundane day to day exchanges I've been known to observe...human beings fascinate me.

Damn it man, I'm a junkie...

I'm both intrigued and disgusted simultaneously as I watch in utter amazement the elaborate, yet simple illusions and charades that are constructed and enacted...and watch as the weaver of such tales actually believes the story they have spun...and then further amazed that their story is taken as truth by others...

"Hello?!?  Don't you see what is going on?!?", I have sometimes been known to yell at the tv in utter frustration at the voluntary blindness of another (my equivalent to the men who jump up and scream at the box when the ump calls a strike when it was clearly a ball...or the ref calls a foul when there was no intentional tripping being executed by your favorite player in the green jersey...or the quarterback fumbles...or..you get my point)

I sit in guilty amusement and then a rising indignation over the dynamics I watch unfolding..."Can they really be that silly, petty, self-absorbed, and at times out-right viscious?", I wonder to myself as a group of women seem to attack another women...and of course, this is done in the most weak and cowardly of fashions --behind her back, when they think she is nowhere near.  I don't even ask myself "why" anymore, for I know the answers to such --it does not take much for a pack mentality to form when individuals in a group feel threatened by the quiet strength of another.

Why am I drawn to watch these interactions when I already know the why's as to what motivates human beings to do what they do?  Is it because I prefer my drama to be a vicarious experience now, as I've had enough first hand experience to last me this lifetime (and  probably the next one, too)?  Is there some new depth of  knowledge that I am seeking that may perhaps be found in the  land of  reality show drama?  Or is it just  a pointless pleasure that is beyond my logical mind?

Ah, confessions feel good.

I wonder if anyone else indulges in this sport...

BOOK II

Socrates, what do you see in our search after justice...?

I shall tell you...Justice, we say, is the attribute of an individual, but also of a whole city, is it not?  And is not a city greater than an individual?...

The origin of a city...is, in my opinion, due to the fact that no one of us is sufficient for himself, but each is in need of many things...

Come then...let us in argument construct the city from the beginning.  Apparently it will be the outcome of our need...

The first and greatest of our needs is the provision of food to support existence and life...

The second, the provision of a dwelling place and the third, clothing and so on...

How will our city be able to supply a sufficiency of all those things?

Will it not be by having one man a farmer, another a builder and a third a weaver?  Shall we add a shoemaker and perhaps another provider of bodily needs?...

Then the city of bare neccesity will consist of four or five men...

Should each of these men place his own work at the disposal of all in common?

For example, should our one farmer provide corn for four people and spend fourfold time and labor on the provisions of corn and then share it with the rest;

or should he pay no attention to the others, and provide only a fourth part of the corn for himself in a fourth of the time and spend the other three-fourths of the time in providing a house, clothes and shoes?

Should he not have the trouble of sharing with others, but rather provide with his own hands what he wants for himself?

Adeimantus answered:  The first alternative, Socrates, is perhaps the easier.

Well, it certainly is not strange that it is...I myself was thinking that, in the first place, no two of us are by nature altogether alike.  Our capacities differ.  some fit for one work, some for another...

**********

Because the work of our guardians is the most important of all, it will demand the most exclusive attention and the greatest skill and practice...and will it not need a nature fitted for this profession?

Do you not think, then, that so far as their fitness for guarding is concerned...that [they] must be sharp-sighted, quick of foot to pursue the moment they perceive and strong enough to make captures and overcome opposition when necessary?  And since they are good fighters, they must certainly be brave.

But will either horse or dog or any animal be brave if it is not spirited?

Have you not observed that spirit is unconquerable and irresistable?

Every soul possesed by it will meet any danger fearlessly and unshrinking...

Then...with such natures as these, how are they prevented from behaving savagely towards one another and the other citizens?...

We must have them gentle to their fellows and fierce to their enemies.

If we cannot effect that, they will prevent the enemy from destroying the city by doing it first themselves...

[The guardian] must [also] be by nature philosophical and fond of learning...

**********



I have a multitude I would like to discuss regarding the above passage, but thought it best to let it stand alone for a moment...but don't let my pause in thought stop you...

The Wind
I love the way the Wind incites the Trees to dance patterns across my body
I revel in the caress of the Wind as it cools the heat of the radiant Sun searing my pain away

The Wind commands my attention
In the moment the Wind stirs about me, nothing but the feeling of its presence matters
Time stands still as I breath in its essence and listen to its whispers
In these moments I can feel my soul reaching
Longing to slip away and take flight with the Wind

Divine, it is, to be Alive with the elements in such sacred harmony
To feel the Wind extend itself and bring upon its currents blessed serenity
Carrying away all but Peace

It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.

It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon. I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life's betrayals or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain.  I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it or fade it, or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own, if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, to be realistic, to remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself; if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul; if you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see beauty even when it's not pretty, every day, and if you can source your own life from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine, and still stand on the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, "Yes!"

It doesn't interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up, after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done to feed the children.

It doesn't interest me who you know or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink back.

It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you, from the inside, when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.

by Oriah Mountain Dreamer
copyright 1999 by Oriah Mountain Dreamer.