Early on, I did not see a fire in myself, did not feel myself as a force in the world. I had a Newtonian worldview in which I was just another object. That world collapsed when I went to college, and I started seeking that inner spark. But mistakes persisted; I used spiritual practice to deaden rather than awaken it. It took many years of losing body, mental and emotional armor, to begin feeling that simple fire, often just a subtle sparkle in my core. It still takes work to feel it, and to interrupt the addictive ways that can still squelch it.
Years ago I visited a Hutterite Christian community.
That night the entire community gathered around a gigantic bon fire. The fire was so bright. At the end a member from each family walked toward the fire holding a lantern waiting for a spark from the giant fire. After lighting the lantern in silence they would head back to their homes. Little by little in the darkness all that could be seen were the lighted lanterns as if in a procession moving along the paths. No, I don't know how big my own flame of fire is but I see myself as one of those lighted lanterns going along being held by a hand on its way home. A ribbon of lights makes a big difference in a dark landscape. I hope my small light will be enough to shine, to stand against the darkness. Blessings on the light increasing now, little by little.
Great question. This is my work.
Early on, I did not see a fire in myself, did not feel myself as a force in the world. I had a Newtonian worldview in which I was just another object. That world collapsed when I went to college, and I started seeking that inner spark. But mistakes persisted; I used spiritual practice to deaden rather than awaken it. It took many years of losing body, mental and emotional armor, to begin feeling that simple fire, often just a subtle sparkle in my core. It still takes work to feel it, and to interrupt the addictive ways that can still squelch it.
Years ago I visited a Hutterite Christian community.
That night the entire community gathered around a gigantic bon fire. The fire was so bright. At the end a member from each family walked toward the fire holding a lantern waiting for a spark from the giant fire. After lighting the lantern in silence they would head back to their homes. Little by little in the darkness all that could be seen were the lighted lanterns as if in a procession moving along the paths. No, I don't know how big my own flame of fire is but I see myself as one of those lighted lanterns going along being held by a hand on its way home. A ribbon of lights makes a big difference in a dark landscape. I hope my small light will be enough to shine, to stand against the darkness. Blessings on the light increasing now, little by little.
Most definitely!