
FINAL CHAPTERS ONE THROUGH FOURTEEN, ALONG WITH THE CONCLUSION
OF THE BLOG BOOK - TITLED THE CRYSTAL PATH - QUEST FOR A POSITIVE,
PERSONAL AND CONTEMPLATIVE SPIRITUALITY
AVAILABLE NOW ON THE RIGHTHAND SIDEBAR OF THE BLOG,
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www.FindingGodOnTheTrain.com
DON’T CHANGE?
Sometimes, I read a quote that stops me in my tracks.
This past Saturday, I was reading the Daily Guide, published
in the monthly Science Of Mind - Guide For Spiritual Living
magazine. The daily guides authored this month by Rev.
Dr. Patrick Cameron, the spiritual director of the Edmonton
Center For Spiritual Living, who featured this quote below in his
guide, Saturday, titled Stay As You Are, by an Indian-born
Jesuit priest Anthony De Mallo. We are told this quote is a
prayer, and it was De Mello’s final recorded word before
his death.
“Don’t change. Change is impossible, and even if possible,
it is undesirable. Stay as you are. Love yourself as you are.
And change, if it is possible, will take place by itself when
and if it wants. Leave yourself alone. The only growth-
promoting change is that which comes from self-acceptance.”
I have posted numerous notes expressing this very same
advice, but down deep in my consciousness, molded by years
of Fortune 500 management assessment and training,
of course, with constant and vigorous feedback, I am still,
beneath the surface, working to improve me - tweak this or
that, refine my personality, be more focused, motivated,
productive, open, etc.
In a sense, this “don’t change” idea is a radical request,
on par with love thy neighbor: considering if we don’t need
to personally change, then neither does anyone else in our
lives. I know some of you are thinking, “well, truthfully,
I am ok, but these other folks in my life do need to change.”
As I ruminated on this quote the past few days, I considered
all the wasted energy, the frustration, the heartache,
yes, the suffering we encounter trying to change ourselves
and others – forcing change on the unchangeable. What if,
we just accepted ourselves and others as offered without
attempting a change intervention.
I offer two supporting Affirmative Thoughts from my achieve,
prompting us to follow similar advice.
ONE OF A KIND
Today, let us aspire to be ourselves,
rather than adjust ourselves to fit
some standard – some formulation
of improved qualities, we should all
strive to mirror in our day-to-day lives,
and instead, bring to life what we
have been created to offer.
Today, let us be our best selves –
no more – no less – understanding
that within our eccentricities exists
our unique contribution to the flavor
and fabric of life and existence itself –
so bring all of you to the party – leave
nothing out – and let us all bask in
the wonder of one of a kind.
Today, let us just be us as we allow
others to be their authentic selves –
no need for compromise, no cause
to criticize, no expectation of change,
no list of minor improvements needed,
and together tap the strength of our
true diversity.
AT BY G. 7.3.2012
IGNITE THE WORLD
Today, open up and share the miracle
that is you; be the spark that ignites
the world, let all see what time and
good intentions have created – a work
of love, a spirit of unharnessed beauty,
a tender soul with hard and fast convictions.
Today, stand tall and strong, knowing
you have what it takes to succeed, to
master any phase of this life – to move
forward and complete the task at hand,
as you lead the way to a vision not yet
clear to others.
Today, be the you who makes life special,
the you who makes us smile, sing, dance,
and marvel at your charm – laugh at
your spontaneity – sympathize with
your causes – but always making us
feel life is more scintillating when
you are near.
AT BY G. 12.19.2012
WITH LOVE, G.
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