Don’t go in there!

I have recently become aware of how repulsed by or completely comfortable some are with dwelling in the darkness of their spirit. Poets write of bathing happily in it, however, seemingly missing the opportunity there. Mystics, sages, religious and spiritual writers, describe it as the residence of the true self.

Thomas Merton writes

“At the center of our being is a point of nothingness which is untouched by sin and by illusion, a point of pure truth, a point or spark which belongs entirely to God, which is never at our disposal, from which God disposes our lives, which is inaccessible to the fantasies of our own mind or the brutalities of our own will. This little point of nothingness and of absolute poverty is the pure glory of God in us… It is like a pure diamond, blazing with the invisible light of heaven. It is in everybody, and if we could see it we would see these billions of points of light coming together in the face and blaze of a sun that would make all the darkness and cruelty of life vanish completely…I have no program for this seeing.  It is only given.  But the gate of heaven is everywhere.”

From my perspective, when I practice mindfulness meditation, I am confronted with my natural true self. Self-interested, dishonest, frightened, vengeful and angry. My guess is that facing the reality of our natural, human tendencies, it is appalling and extremely uncomfortable. Consequently, any who make any attempt to be still with themselves in juxtaposition with the light infused darkness, Thomas Merton describes so beautifully, are prone to become easily distracted and decide that what Kanye and Kim are up to is of paramount importance and this dedication to discovering more about the interior life can wait.

The Present State of Things Blog puts it another way

Instinct

I was inspired this morning, as well by a blogger, whom some of you I’m sure are following and if not you should consider it, posted a lovely image and quote.

A Fiery Soul

That got me thinking, how have I benefited from coming to grips with how I really am. By observing and being honest about what I find and instead of fleeing as quickly as possible from it, denying it or fighting it. All of which cede the power of those flaws in my character. I become friendly with them in a way. Embrace them, they are after all part of me. It is self- love, after all, which enables us to love, forgive and accept the darkness in our fellow travelers.

and finally some music

Memories by Marco Sfogli