Learn to go with the flow. As flowing water changes constantly as it flows along, learn how to be as fluid as a stream, as strong as a river, as powerful as an ocean. In everything you do, be like flowing water so you don’t get caught, backed into a corner, of held back by that which will only keep you contained and unchanging. Change like water changes, constantly, and let nothing get you down or keep you from your spirit’s call, for that is what life is all about, answering your spirit’s call.
“To seek freedom… be like the flame of a candle, which, in spite of being up against the light of a billion stars, remains intact, because it never pretended to be more than what it is: a mere candle.” – Don Juan Matus, from The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge
It’s a mighty challenge to be born into this life as an ego, a limited point of consciousness, separated from its greater wholeness. This limitation is the price we pay to exclusively explore one facet of the fuller diamond we are, in a life that begins and ends in space/time.
Ego has risen beyond the control of its own instinctual nature into a being capable of making its own decisions. This evolution beyond the strict control of its subconscious programming has given rise to civilization and human domination of the Earth.
This moment we are now living in is the ultimate exploration of ego’s freedom to consider only itself —its wants and needs— as the basis of its governing decisions. The sky is the limit for the ego of now, much like Icarus, whose intoxication with flying on his wax wings drew him higher and closer to the sun.
It’s inevitable that ego test the limits of its power. Simply observe the toddler testing its newfound powers of locomotion. Caution is thrown to the wind in the thrill of discovery and autonomous movement. This same excitement of power and mastery accompanies ego at all stages of life.
Truthfully, however, underneath it all, ego knows it is inherently inadequate. How could it be otherwise? Ego is but a fragment of its greater wholeness. Ego’s underlying instinctual programming has heralded evolution, devoid of consciousness. Ego’s now conscious ability to negate that programming is a tremendous feat, but ego also lacks the wisdom packed into those archetypal programs. Managing the survival of the planet requires more wisdom than ego can possibly amass in its limited time on Earth.
The evolutionary challenge now posed to ego is to rise above its egoism and discover a higher authority within itself that can teach it the path of right action. Ego must silence its own internal dialogue that incessantly attempts to keep it secure in its knowing of everything. In the silence beyond that chatter is the voice of wisdom that resides in the mature heart.
Ego needn’t feel ashamed of its objective inadequacy. Ego has the unparalleled gift of consciousness, but it must discover how to exercise its powers in the service of the greater whole that it is but a fragment of. Ego is not yet convinced it can’t simply go it alone, hence, it is currently testing the hypothesis that it is all that there is.
After the fall of this experiment, ego, like Icarus will come down to Earth with the humility proper to its status. This is the ego that will accept that it is indeed but a solitary candle amidst the light of a billion stars. However, this acceptance of its smallness, lacking any illusory inflation, is the attitude that will protect that flame from perhaps ever blowing out.
May we all find our way to the smallness of a single candle flame. With such humility, we connect to the wisdom awaiting us all in our mature hearts.
Keep in balance, neither too much nor too little, neither too hot nor too cold, neither too angry nor too sad, neither too afraid nor too carefree. Keep a balance in mind, body and spirit, protective of your own health and protective of all those you share the planet with. Keep your mind focused on positive thoughts and attitudes, your body focused on health and prosperity, and your spirit directing your right actions. Keep mind, body and spirit clothed in loving kindness and compassion. In all these things, and more, keep in balance and all will be well, within and without.
Maintain balance no matter what transpires, for balance is key to attaining stability in mind, body, and spirit. Balance is key to holding onto positive thoughts and positive energy so that you may weather through all adversity with strength and fortitude. Keep a good balance in heart, mind, and spirit so that not only you remain positive but so that all you come in contact with may remain so as well. For what effects the one effects the many; all play a part in what happens to the whole.
Wisdom is received by being open to new experiences, by being a lifelong learner, a student of the world and the spirit both. Knowledge is gained when one dares to defy the norm and be open to the unusual. To evolve demands a break from the mundanities of life as you know it so that the true source of knowledge may be accessed. Let your mind go free, your heart be open, your innocent self be trusting of all that truly exists to guide you. Beyond the human self lies the infinite. Tap into that and discover all you truly need in order to navigate the world as you know it and the world as you don’t yet know it as well.
