Which Side Are We On

“There was a wall. It did not look important. It was built of uncut rocks roughly mortared. An adult could look right over it, and even a child could climb it. Where it crossed the roadway, instead of having a gate it degenerated into mere geometry, a line, an idea of boundary. But the idea was real. It was important. For seven generations there had been nothing in the world more important than that wall.  Like all walls it was ambiguous, two-faced. What was inside it and what was outside it depended upon which side of it you were on.”

Ursula K. Le Guin

Limits are good for us when we refer to any possible addictive behaviors like spending, drinking, eating, gambling or sex.  Things can be good for us until we ignore the limitations we established for our selves.  This is also true with boundaries.  Creating boundaries are vitally important to our physical and mental health.  When we do not respect our boundaries we allow others to take advantage of us.

 

There is another side to limitations and boundaries which we can explore.  If we allow our selves to stand outside of limitations and boundaries looking back in, we can discover areas where we can change and grow.  Our limitations may be self-imposed or  too restrictive.  We may not be allowing enough time for an outing with a friend or recognition for a job well done.    Our boundaries may need to be expanded to run the risk of a career change or a new relationship. 

 

There are so many ways to adjust our lives for the better when we remain conscious about our own behaviors.  With an open mind we can look at a healthier balance between light and dark;  inside and outside; work and play; body, mind, and spirit; exercise and sleep; and private and social time.  Any extreme either too much or too little can be well intended, but harmful.  An accurate assessment is dependent upon which side we are standing on.  We must look one way, and then from an other to create a well rounded conclusion.

Opportunities ...

I am a promise.

I am a possibility.

I am a great big bundle of potentiality.

~ Children's song

There was a story I read some years ago about a man having a vision with a spiritual guide.  The guide asked if the man wanted to see the mistakes he had made in his life.  "No," the man declined, "I am all too aware of the errors of my ways."  So instead, the spirit guide showed the man opportunities he had missed during his adult life. 

I believe there are possibilities galore for all of us.  Some we don't recognize as opportunities while others we ignore.  We may be tempted by situations, but for whatever reason, we simply do not follow through.

Once I was invited by a physician to move to a Native American Indian Reservation with her family.  She had longed to serve this population and finally the arrangements had been made.  I was offered a position to counsel and share energy work on the reservation.  Loving Native American Culture, I was tempted to accept, but I declined. 

On another occasion, I was made an offer from people in Champaign, Illinois, to move to Prescott, Arizona.  A new community of like minded individuals was being developed where I could create a new way of living.  I decided not to accept.

Of course I wonder how my life would have unfolded in these different scenarios, but in many ways, I think we grow into our selves no matter where we are living.  The location or community may alter the experience, but I believe the needed lesson will be learned either way.

With hindsight, I think of the many times my spiritual guides must shake their heads and say, "She didn't get that either!"  So back to the drawing board they go, thinking of other ways they could attract my attention.  When I still don't respond to needed opportunities, I sometimes hear a calling or get a kick in the pants!  I believe Spirit nudges me in the direction I need to go.