The Heart of the Matter

 

 

 

"A single word is sufficient to reveal the truth."

Shen Hui

 

 

Just as our soul is hidden inside our physical body, underneath our clothing, and protected by our extended aura of protection, so is our heart felt truth.  Without focus, behind scattered thoughts, and tempered by defenses, how we truly feel often times is never revealed.

 

At times, we may feel that hiding our true feelings is an easy way out.  With an attempt to be non-committal, we stir up the waters and create waves, sending the listeners into the sunset as they wonder how the conversation floated so far off course. 

 

When questioning the person who is so often misleading,  statements are made,  such as:  "People don't need to know what I believe," or "It is none of their business what I intend to do," or "I knew they would disagree with me."  These comments remind me of the man who goes to the doctor reporting his foot is aching when in fact it is his right arm.  The patient's attitude is that if the doctor is really as good as they say, he will figure it out.

 

It is no wonder that our world is in such conflict, globally, within each country, inside each community, and surfacing in families.  Individuals misspeaking, mislead themselves.  Every word that is not authentically spoken,  will dilute the potency of the speaker.  We intentionally mislead others, but we also mislead our inner selves. 

 

If we endeavor to keep our responses brief, but truthful, we feel better about ourselves for honoring and respecting what we believe.  We project an authentic image of ourselves and a more heartfelt exchange is experienced.  Truth remains at the heart of the matter.