Interconnectedness of being
Posted by matthew on December 7, 2007
If you look at life like a poet, seeing beauty in the simplest things, you do not need to go anywhere to find beauty. You can see that within manure, a flower is waiting to be born. It is not in the future as an abstract concept; it is there now, in its fullest potential. Within an acorn lying on the forest floor is a magnificent flowering tree. If you listen closely, you can feel the tree whisper to you from inside the acorn, with its majestic tranquility. Within a storm inflicting damage on a community is also the breathtaking beauty of sun squirming its way through the clouds to a new dawn, bringing new energy and a re-creation of what we thought was perfect, but has new perfection to expand upon us.
This potential also works with emotions and relationships. Within a storm of a relationship where there is deep division and conflict, there is also a great empathy waiting to unfold. This is because there can be no compassion without understanding, and to find understanding we must experience. You cannot have empathy for someone’s violence without having experienced the urge to lash out yourself. And it is through empathy, or love, that we transform the world. Peace does not come from imposing rules of peace; it comes from living peace. This applies within relationships and activism equally.
The interconnected nature of the universe applies to me in particular in my own journey. This being is within me:
Feeling the weight of someone’s body on top of me, I shut off. How could this happen? How can I let this happen? I shall never trust the world again. I shall keep kicking until I no longer feel a weight on top of me. I shall never trust myself again. I shall never trust the world again. I hate being a child, for helplessness is the worst of all evils.
This being is also within me:
The child breathes contentedly in utter trust, feeling the warmth and support surrounding me. I am helpless, but within that helplessness comes the ability to invite help. Everything I need is here now. In utter vulnerability, I let the world touch me and the fullness of it brings utter joy. My helplessness is a gateway to feeling the love around me. I trust completely.
The two beings are of course one; they are me. Within the vulnerability of a childlike state is also the ability to be traumatized, and within the ability to be traumatized is the ability to heal, learn empathy, transform the world, and live a life of Love. Nothing needs to be done to ‘transform’ one into the other; they are both inseparable. They are me.
In thinking about healing, we usually focus on the loudest voice. The hurt child screams loudest and we rarely hear anything else, so we think that’s all there is. We lose awareness of the joyful child that is present in the moment and has never left us. And it is awareness that transforms â???? not counseling, medication, or even diving into the pain â???? but simple awareness. It is through awareness that all aspects of ourselves are reconnected and integrated. It is how compassion is learned; seeing how interdependent we are.
Whether within one’s Self, in relationship, or in society, there is a great interdependency. The pain cannot be without the joy and compassion. A pauper cannot exist without the ultra rich. There would be no destruction of the rainforest without all the world participating in its consumer patterns. This is not simply the link of cause and effect; it is a deeper connection on the level of being. You are the environment of the world, you are the disparity of wealth, and you are both the joys and pains that exist in you and without you.? Invite this in; it is the gateway to living a live filled with peace.
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Tags:abraham, attraction, awareness, blogging, blogs, books, buddhism, channeling, emotions, god, healing, heart, interconnectedness, law of attraction, life, love, loving, meditation, michael, pain, personal, philosophy, psychology, recovery, relationships, religion, seth, sexual abuse, spirituality, the secret, therapy, thich naht hahn, thoughts, wealth
“If you look at life like a poet”… you are a poet, mate. What can I say?
Cheers,
Albert | UrbanMonk.Net
Modern personal development, entwined with ancient spirituality.
Why thank you Albert!
Thanks for the reminder that there is a joyful child waiting inside me to be acknowledged also. I have having some emotional difficulties right now because of the wounded inner child screaming out her pain. It is usually worse around Christmas than any other time of the year.
Yes, it is. All those expectations shuffling around Christmas, which can lead to conflict between the happiness that “should” be there and what truly is there. Along with the connections with family that “should” be there.
Lots of love your way!
Wonderfully witten. Destruction, division and conflict are ultimately as beautiful as the regrowth that unfolds thanks to it.
I’m a 1st timer to your blog and I’m loving it! Great post which shows that we always have a choice over which voice we listen to, doesn’t have to be the loudest one.
“It is not in the future as an abstract concept; it is there now, in its fullest potential.” Powerful concept and one I find do easy to lose sight of but you’re right, it’s always “there now”.
In love, light and abundance x x x
Thank you! Glad to have you with us!
The interconnectedness of things is such an important – and literally true – idea. I first encountered it in Thich Nhat Hahn’s little book “The Miracle of Mindfulness.”
I don’t think George Bush has read it…
Yes, I love Thich Nhat Hahn. I’ve been reading “Peace is Every Step” recently.
Michael – thank you for your posting on Interconnectedness – The Ying and the Yang – can’t have an up without a down. You remind me of the balance and how we are constantly learning.
Michael – thank you for your posting on Interconnectedness – The Ying and the Yang – can’t have an up without a down. You remind me of the balance and how we are constantly learning. Also wanted to let you know I stumbled this to let others know about your site.
Thank you! I’m very grateful for all publicity!
Thank you, Matthew, for an excellent article.
I fully agree that nothing can exist without collective agreement–if only subconscious. I also believe cause and effect is not linear, but rather a balance of the whole.
Peace and wonder to you and all you hold dear,
CG
“All is Choice”. Being aware of that choice is one of our greatest challenges.
Could very well around 10 used books the mother – free for those taking. Excellent box of other books too in case you’re swinging by, you’re able check to check out if you’re searching for them. Furthermore will often have other baby stuff available (bottles etc.) , however not sure on the grueling. Make me aware if interested. Thanks.