I choose to allow these very conditions to be those conditions under which I now learn to choose love. ~The Way of Mastery
This quote encourages me to keep my heart open in all circumstances. I don’t have to like difficult times or celebrate suffering. I don’t have to pretend that everything is fun. On the contrary, keeping my heart open in challenging times can be painful as my open heart aches with compassion for all the suffering in the world. But a heart that stays open can embrace the whole universe, denying nothing, excluding no one.
Why would I want to do that? Why would I want to choose love when terrible things are happening? When some of those terrible things are caused by people that I find hard to love? When it’s so much easier, and, let’s admit it, sometimes kind of delicious to blame, get angry, feel outraged, point fingers, find solidarity in opposition, and bemoan those people, events, and circumstances that I find so objectionable?
Here’s why. Because choosing anything other than love keeps me locked into the very dynamic that I spend all that energy objecting to. This is true in our individual lives as well as in our national and global lives. As the saying goes, what we resist, persists. We feed the energy of conflict by engaging in conflict thinking that somehow we will find peace.
Does this mean that we sit back in the face of injustice and oppression? Do we turn away when someone is being attacked? Do we allow others to treat us badly? No. The lesson of this quote is not about being passive and disinterested. The lesson is to let love lead our thoughts, words, and actions. Choosing love is being fully engaged with life, responding appropriately and courageously to whatever love calls for in each moment, keeping our hearts open no matter what. We can’t find peace in our world until there is peace in our own hearts.
I’m reminded of a Star Trek Next Generation episode in which the ultimate weapon was being sought by several factions. The weapon could target and disintegrate any foe. When it was finally discovered, Captain Picard realized that the weapon was powered by the animosity of those opposing it. He quickly ordered his people to erase any trace of anger from their hearts. The weapon immediately became useless. An open heart turned out to be not only the best defense, but the only defense to the most powerful weapon in the universe, or at least in the alpha quadrant.
If choosing love just sounds too difficult in these turbulent times, the quote assures us that this is something we can learn. We learn by practicing. We practice allowing love to lead our way. We practice in every moment with every breath. We learn to choose love no matter what until our hearts are liberated from the shackles of fear and hatred. And that, my friends, is truly the ultimate weapon.
Freedom is Love under all conditions. ~The Way of Mastery
A wonderful posting – thank you
But a heart that stays open can embrace the whole universe, denying nothing, excluding no one.
Thanks Esther!
I saw that episode! Even then I thought “how difficult to turn off the anger and hatred would be.” I’m older and (possibly?) wiser, but it is still a hard thing to imagine.
Lovely reminder.🥰
Yes, that was a powerful episode. Do you remember how hard it was for Worf?! I’m convinced, however, that part of his (or anyone’s) true warrior mentality is the ability to do what is needed without hatred or rage. Thanks for commenting, Deirdre.
Yesterday I was at a lovely Buddhist meditation session that was preceded by our leader expressing many of your thoughts. As hard as it is to to practice all encompassing love in our current milieu, the solution comes by trying first to realize peace, love and forgiveness in ourselves, then carry that out into the world however best we can. Thanks as always for helping us start our week on a better note!
I’m not surprised that your meditation leader was expressing similar thoughts. The message is not new or unique. So many wisdom traditions share these basic principles. Whatever we can do to keep reminding ourselves that what we want in the world starts with us is a good practice. Thanks for commenting, Gwen.
Hi Galen! Such a GREAT reminder in these times and a practice that is continually on my mind these days. I have a very strong “social-justice meter” and it is triggered nearly every day. What a great workshop!!! I believe I’m doing fairly well with the “love always” practice but I know there is plenty more growth possible. Thanks for your encouragement!!! ~Kathy
You bring up a good point, Kathy. I was inspired to write this post in part by all the recent protests. So important for people to stand up for social justice. At the same time, the real key is what is in our hearts as we march. Are we marching with anger, fear, and hatred in our hearts? Or are we marching with compassion for all involved and an acknowledgment of our shared humanity? Standing up for social justice with rage just creates more violent energy in the world. Standing up for social justice with a peaceful heart makes space for true social justice to manifest. Thanks for your comment.
Beautifully said 💗 thank you for this blessing! Hugs from Texas…….