Saturday, November 2, 2013

Courage and Strength



 
 
 
To open deeply, as genuine spiritual life requires, we need tremendous courage and strength, a kind of warrior spirit. But the place for this warrior strength is in the heart.

Jack Kornfield


The word warrior frequently promotes the image of masculine energy and physical strength.  Over the years, this definition has been tempered by the image of feminine energy which is extended through love and compassion. 

I must admit in my earlier years, I found my self wrestling with the masculine powers in many attempts  to establish personal empowerment without violence or suppression.    Be reminded, each and every one of us carries both the masculine and the feminine.  It is a matter of where we place our focus.

Feminine energy requires tremendous courage and strength.  It is not necessarily easy to respond with compassion and love.  One can be very challenged to give in to anger and judgement.  Being a spiritual warrior embraces diversity and respect for all  peoples.  This does not mean one necessarily condones a particular behavior, but stretches to understand what prompts the behavior.  If we can determine a foundation of understanding, it becomes easier to feel compassion.

This feminine energy empowers all peoples and we must be mindful to apply it to our selves as well.  We are called to celebrate and honor our selves as much as others.  Personally, we all are in need of affirmations and acceptance. 

The spiritual warrior is activated through embracing and supporting the self and others; not through suppression and violence.  Decisions are made through the heart assisted by spiritual guidance for the betterment of all.

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