Telescope!  Through Which End Are We Looking?
by David Kraus, OMI

Each day we make tons of decisions.  The question is:  are we awake to make conscious choices, or, are we on auto-pilot, oblivious where we are going?  We are looking through the large end of the telescope when we are suffering from guilt, shame, loss of hope, anger, loss of meaning and spirit.  Out focus becomes myopic, centered on self, and we easily lose our passion and purpose for living.  We are stuck.  We are lost.  Negative emotions build upon themselves, creating more and more misery and misunderstanding.
 
So, now what?  Can we begin trying to ask bit, important questions from the small end of the telescope, looking at the bigger picture?  Like: "what is this issue I'm currently experiencing, 'saying' to me, about me?"  Can I just sit relaxed and non-judgmentally and ponder gently?

If I am Aware, Admit and can Accept that I am "stuck", I can be sure that I am not taking time daily to do my "soul work".   I'm probably too busy, too much rushing to accomplish my "to-do" lists.  I'm not listening to the new fresh life straining to burst forth from within.

"Soul Work" means turning away from the externals of life, and exploring our inner, essential selves, our incarnated soul.  We are spiritual souls living in human bodies.  And that means that God is always offering us guidance and direction in life.  Are we listening?  Our God is always revealing Self to us.  "I love you with an everlasting love, and I am constant in my affection for you.  (Jer. 31:3)."

By consciously setting aside some time each day, we allow our soul to shine forth.  We take time to process life's experiences; meditate, pray reflectively, without very many words.  This has the energy to re-awaken passion and love and bring spirit back into our lives.

As we find new and creative ways to nourish our soul-and therefore, our lives and relationships, we discover that there's no one outside us who can do this for us.  We must BE the change we seek?And just think of the immense possibilities, the unique gift, we share with our world!