Acting Out Of Love

Acting out of love feels right and, in addition, has a true power or force to it, as opposed to the false or hollow power of acting out of ego.  Having done both, I can feel the difference.  I now prefer acting out of love, though several years ago, that was not possible, it simply was not part of my consciousness, I had never been exposed to the idea.  At that time, I criticized, judged and manipulated others, forcing them to follow my lead.  At present, acting out of love seems to spontaneously influence the behavior of those around me, an example of true power.

Staying Open To Change

Yesterday, I spoke of the importance of staying open to input or change, especially in the face of the very real possibility of self-delusion.  I make an effort to always act out of love, rather than fear or ego, thus the actions I choose are almost never self-directed.  One of the phrases that I keep in mind and use to stay open to input or change, which is often attributed to Christ is “you will know me by my fruits”, meaning if events occur which support my beliefs, or feel right, I continue.  I take those events to be encouragement.  On the other hand, if my beliefs seem to me to be fear based or oriented at myself, they are usually delusional, and I change my approach.

Staying Open

I realize that many of my ideas run counter to commonly held beliefs and I continue with those ideas because they seem to be true.  I also realize that I am totally capable of self-delusion, that some of my ideas are wrong and I should just let them go.  For example, my notion that we each have a love or God part within us that we can choose to nurture and focus on runs counter to the belief that we are an aggressive species.  I continue with that belief because there is ample evidence for it, such as my comments yesterday.  On the other hand, I had some beliefs about one of the people I interact with, which I talked with him about today.  He informed me that I was wrong and provided me with information that also said I was wrong, so I discarded those beliefs, quickly, easily and completely.  My approach requires that I stay open to input and not attached to my own beliefs, which sounds simple, but both require that I keep my ego in check.

The God Part

Judging from the videos and pictures that go “viral” on the internet it seems that most people know and understand the power and reality of things like love and connection.  In my case, those pictures and videos touch upon something inside me that says “this is real” or “this is important”, as well as them being emotionally touching.  Those pictures and videos connect with the part of me that is connected with God, the part that I wish to grow and develop.  I have to believe the same is true for others.  That part of each of us is seldom emphasized, but it is there.

The Force/Power Of Love

My intellect and ego tend to be fear based and can result in limiting my ability to connect or harmonize with the power of love and life in all things, thus also limiting my capabilities.  For example, my intellect and ego, very useful for some things, tend to operate within the concepts of individual development, separateness and competition, while love tends to operate within the concepts of connection with others and inclusiveness.  Unfortunately, the ego and intellect are, generally, emphasized within our educational system, often to the exclusion of ideas such as connection with others and inclusiveness. When I can utilize my intellect and ego, while also emphasizing the power and reality of love in my life, I can maximize my potential.

Harmony

As long as I am willing to put my own ego aside, ask for support and guidance during my morning meditation and then make a sincere effort to harmonize my actions with the universe or God during the day, I can then accomplish wonderful things, such as physical healings or a day like the one described in my entry yesterday.  On the other hand, if/when I attempt to impose my own ego or intellect on my actions, I lose the ability.  I live within a paradox that I am totally comfortable with.

The Presence

Today, I had the experience of meeting with several people of a variety of ages, backgrounds and family positions, parents and offspring with differing histories.  I was very much aware of being in a pivotal position and yet only being a participant, not being in charge.  I was strongly reminded of the words of the Jungian psychologist Claremont deCastillejo when she said "For there to be a meeting, it seems as though a third, a something else, is always present.  You may call it Love, or the Holy Spirit.  Jungians would say that it is the presence of the Self.  If this 'Other' is present, there cannot have failed to be a meeting."  She also commented that "Great deeds can only be achieved when we are more than our little selves.  When we are lent wings we should not reject them." For me, it was an amazing day.