Enlightenment
The aspect of human nature makes it difficult, if not impossible, for any
group to truly be united. Politics, the selfish maneuvering of individuals
and manipulation all have their hand in affecting the lofty ideals of any
group.
Perhaps the way to reduce such circumstances, which are unavoidable, is for
the group to remain as focused as possible on its' intent. There should also
be emphasis placed on the careful and wise selection of those individuals
that are chosen to represent the collective; while underscoring the
importance that those selected be as enlightened as possible.
How does one measure enlightenment and therefore quantify the term
"enlightened as possible?" That therein lies my dilemma. We all have
different perspectives which therefore give way to various ideas of what
personifies enlightenment.
I used to believe that knowledge in itself lead to enlightenment. I busily
went about reading as many books as I could on various subjects, while
incessantly gobbling up and incorporating the ideas of so-called "experts"
into my beliefs. I found myself creating and forming belief systems based on
things that "I" had not taken the time nor used the opportunities that
presented themselves examine if they were true for me. I became lost in the
rabbit hole of B.S. that permeated from the result of failing to identify my
personal truths. Becoming quite adept at sprouting off the latest catch
phrases, all while seemingly impressing others with my knowledge--I took a
real fancy to myself; until situations presented themselves in my life
forced me to rethink my thoughts, fears and ideologies.
In other words, as I began to experience the results of the really crappy
choices I had made--I realized something HAD to change. It was difficult to
look at myself as the one being responsible for all that was transpiring in
my life. After all, I knew all this stuff. You know the formulas, secrets as
told by the "experts" on how to live, act and even breathe. Besides, I
didn't consider myself a masochist. There's no way I would be doing this to
myself deliberately. However, once I stopped blaming everything and everyone
else, I realized that I need look no further than myself in trying to
identify where the problems lie. I was responsible for everything that had
transpired. The good and the bad.
This realization came totally out of the blue. But further introspection
allowed me to see the truth. My truth that is. I wish I could say that after
receiving such insight that my life was a cakewalk. But The deeper I dove,
the messier it got. Until one day, things just clicked. It was like looking
through a pair of eye glasses that had been cleaned, without ever realizing
that they had been dirty in the first place. The clarity and crispness in
which I was able to see my life was truly amazing.
I now think that enlightenment, is not solely relegated to the knowledge one
gleans from books, but rather a combination of many things. I believe our
experiences give us the opportunity to convert that knowledge to
wisdom--which is uniquely useful to our personal and spiritual development.
I am open to understanding the value of being in touch with all things on
all levels. All things, whatever they may be--have value. My self
introspection has lead me to the conclusion that the separation I have
experienced is of my own creation, formed by beliefs and thoughts I
willingly accepted.
Everything that exists is part of the "same" whole. If I can grasp and
understand the order of divine providence and existence itself, perhaps this
will lead to being able to make decisions that are those based in love and
compassion. Thus, the resultant will automatically be composed of and
generate high ideals Regardless of the catalysts that brought about the
situation or experience, a beneficial outcome will be manifested.
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