Spiritual aspirants are very fortunate to receive the tutelage of an enlightened teacher-mentor. Many spiritual teachers are more conceptualizers than knowers, and knowers aren’t necessarily available as teachers.

Judgement is linked to tension, acceptance to ease. Doing gives rise to separation, being to oneness .

Father Tim was a much beloved yet somewhat unorthodox teacher. Once, following a meditation gathering, he spoke on the theme: “The Divinity Within.” He concluded the session by inviting parishioners to “receive the blessing of a glimpse of God.” He had them line up to file past an alter on which he’d placed a single item, a mirror.

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Egoic awareness – the insular (confined) sense of self – fosters our acceptance of limitation and lack regarding outlook and function. Overcoming this restrictive, delusional orientation is the primary objective of those on a spiritual awakening quest. In fact, this sense of restraint and accompanying dissatisfaction prompts the search for greater freedom, empowerment, and creative function.

Whichever approaches may be chosen to assist one’s pursuit of self-liberation (following recommended life-style regimes, employing strategies for improved function and navigational skills amidst life’s continually changing conditions, and engaging in contemplative practices), each individual’s experience as they move through this process will be unique; will differ markedly.

Regardless of one’s path or process, spiritual actualization eventually occurs through a necessary shift in perspective; a reorientation revealing one’s innate freedom and virtually limitless capacity as the spiritual Self (a return of awareness to one’s inherent wholeness).

Though our appearance here is fleeting, our contributions matter. As agents of infinite Spirit, the love we express, the assistance we render, the recognition and encouragement offered to others, in some measure uplifts them and catalyzes their growth. Through our affirmative interaction we assist others in the realization of their creative potential, the successful outcome of their worthy aspirations, and the accomplishment of their unique life mission.