Our habitual vision of things is not necessarily right: it is only one of an infinite number, and to glimpse an unfamiliar one, even for a moment, unmakes us, but steadies us again.
~ Nan Shepherd
Expanding Fields of Possibility
Rev. Berry Behr, Interfaith Minister
Sometimes, we need to be “unmade” so we can be made ready for something better that is to come. Dismantling, as any engineer knows, is sometimes the only way to reach and fix a glitch in the system. Spirituality is no different. Without the willingness to examine our beliefs, we are at risk of spiritual atrophy. We may get so comfortable with what we know and believe that we stop growing and evolving. Such self-limitation can be detrimental to the individual and entire communities, countries, and even the planet.
Have you ever heard someone say: But that’s the way we’ve always done it?
It’s hard to accept we have been wrong in thought or deed. However, what if we realised that we were not wrong but rather that we were learning? Spirituality is a ladder with no end: our core values may remain true and deepen as we climb the ladder of consciousness. How we express those values may evolve.
We may learn that there is no such thing as a just war and become less judgemental and more compassionate. We may discover that the founder of our faith carried an essence that was much larger and more inclusive than we had understood. We may even find that diving more deeply into some of their teachings opens realms of possibility for ourselves and for the world that we had never previously imagined. When we attune our thoughts with our actions, we become more congruent and more effective. The discomfort of facing our younger choices is bathed in compassion: now that we know better, we can do better, and our new choices become more wholesome.
Every experience has value on the path of our becoming. We may regret some decisions or actions, yet we know that redemption lies in changed behaviour. Forgiveness sought, and forgiveness offered are forms of evolution—both suggest a willingness to step into unfamiliar territory and embrace a new perspective. Being open to an ever-expanding field of possibilities is the currency of the truth seeker.
About Open Windows
We, the authors of this blog, dedicate it to the transparent exploration of the world’s sacred scripture and enlightened spiritual thought. We believe that the original inspiration of all faiths comes from a common source, named and revered in a myriad of ways. With that understanding, the innumerable symbols, beliefs, and practices of faith cease to divide. They become open windows to a common reality that inspires and unifies us. We find deeper insight and nourishment in our own faith and from the expression of faith from others.
We hope these weekly quotations and meditations speak to your heart and soul.
Love this post Berry. Forgiveness sought, forgiveness offerred are part of our evolution – Redemptoin comes in changed behaviour – maybe. I think something happens before behaviour changes, that is a change in ‘seeing’, which may or may not bring about a change in behaviour – as we could be self-judging behaviour. Behaviour seems to change as a result of a rise in perspective.
Thank you, Nan and Berry. Yes, I’ve frequently discovered that I am “stuck in my ways” about something and it is wife to let go of that rigidity. Something fresh, smart, and new cannot be perceived by holding on with stubbornness. I open myself to the new range of GOD’s possibilities which will remain unseen if I am looking only at a personal target wearing blinders. I release to the NEW with you now. Love always, Tom C.
As I think you bring out, Berry, authentic spirituality is a life-long learning process. As you indicate, core values may remain the same but we express and experience them in new and creative ways. Even at almost 82 I am constantly teaching my mind, my heart and my body to reveal more of who I AM.
There was a big change in our country when, about a decade ago, we no longer had a state-church. But we have had that for a thousand years ! There were protests, and there were questions about how this could possibly work. And why we needed this change.
A small country with many people migrating out, and few coming in, made it a pretty stable society with strong cultural traditions, integrated with church membership registered at birth.
During the past 50 years this has become almost the opposite. We now have a variety of cultures and religions, and many of our own heritage find no need to carry on Christian traditions.
Slowly change finds its way, it seems that life always does, and we all have opportunities to learn from the unfamiliar and become aware of a new perspective and new possibilities.
Thanks, Berry. The imagery at the header of the recent Transformation Group invitation, of the caterpillar, chrysalis and butterfly, is the perfect metaphor for being unmade in order to be remade anew. This is, I believe, the essence of “let go and let God”. How often I hear people say “I DON’T NEED THIS” when they are being urged to let go. And yet nature has so many examples of what it takes to grow effortlessly and all involve letting go of what was in order to discover what will be. Thanks for this timely reminder. With love. Andrew
6 Responses
Love this post Berry. Forgiveness sought, forgiveness offerred are part of our evolution – Redemptoin comes in changed behaviour – maybe. I think something happens before behaviour changes, that is a change in ‘seeing’, which may or may not bring about a change in behaviour – as we could be self-judging behaviour. Behaviour seems to change as a result of a rise in perspective.
Thank you, Nan and Berry. Yes, I’ve frequently discovered that I am “stuck in my ways” about something and it is wife to let go of that rigidity. Something fresh, smart, and new cannot be perceived by holding on with stubbornness. I open myself to the new range of GOD’s possibilities which will remain unseen if I am looking only at a personal target wearing blinders. I release to the NEW with you now. Love always, Tom C.
As I think you bring out, Berry, authentic spirituality is a life-long learning process. As you indicate, core values may remain the same but we express and experience them in new and creative ways. Even at almost 82 I am constantly teaching my mind, my heart and my body to reveal more of who I AM.
There was a big change in our country when, about a decade ago, we no longer had a state-church. But we have had that for a thousand years ! There were protests, and there were questions about how this could possibly work. And why we needed this change.
A small country with many people migrating out, and few coming in, made it a pretty stable society with strong cultural traditions, integrated with church membership registered at birth.
During the past 50 years this has become almost the opposite. We now have a variety of cultures and religions, and many of our own heritage find no need to carry on Christian traditions.
Slowly change finds its way, it seems that life always does, and we all have opportunities to learn from the unfamiliar and become aware of a new perspective and new possibilities.
Thanks, Berry. The imagery at the header of the recent Transformation Group invitation, of the caterpillar, chrysalis and butterfly, is the perfect metaphor for being unmade in order to be remade anew. This is, I believe, the essence of “let go and let God”. How often I hear people say “I DON’T NEED THIS” when they are being urged to let go. And yet nature has so many examples of what it takes to grow effortlessly and all involve letting go of what was in order to discover what will be. Thanks for this timely reminder. With love. Andrew
Always open to expanding fields and new perspectives. EVOL – LOVE