“The only thing we really have to offer each other is inspiration. We cannot give people anything. We can only awaken them to something within themselves, and this is not done with argument, but by example.” — J. Kennedy Shultz, “A Legacy of Truth”
After what seems like an eternity, we come to the realization that using patience, giving counsel, choosing our words carefully, showing examples, outlining various forms of experience, or repeated conversations of persuasion doesn’t change a set of circumstances or the actions of family members, friends, loved ones, colleagues, associates or partners. In one instance or another up to the present moment, we have all experienced the complete frustration in dealing with those individuals who can not or will not listen to common sense, reason, or logic on any level no matter what is said or how it is expressed. It is in that moment, we realize it is not up to us and rests within the individual to awaken the sleeping voice of consciousness within themselves. When it appears circumstances beyond any conceivable or possible means takes precedent, and we have exhausted any/all feasible measures of sustaining communication . . . we must recognize in that instant, it is time to just . . . let go. Sometimes people must fail, fall on there faces, implode, loose decades of their lives, become reclusive, move out of state, move out of the country, or completely become lost within themselves before an awakening consciousness takes place. Unfortunately for some, this never happens and we never see that epiphany occur on any level. At that juncture, we may have gleaned insight on another level as Carl Jung suggests, “Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.”
We never know when that seed of inspiration that was planted . . . oh so long ago . . . will germinate within those we have met along this journey we call life. When we have the courage to take a long, hard look at ourselves and have wakened to the present consciousness within, it is only then that we understand the immense difficulty it takes to know who we are, live in the moment and remember those who have inspired our lives with illumination, vision, hope and love without argument or judgment. Can we do less for those who are now present in our lives? It really is pretty simple according to Ramana Maharshi when thought of in this way . . . “Let come what comes, let go what goes. See what remains.”
Bottom line . . . be the example you have seen in your life without reservation. Our actions and not our words print indelibly on the hearts, minds, and consciousness of everyone with whom we come in contact. Make no mistake, we are responsible and accountable beings capable of shining a beacon of light on the possibility of greatness within every person we meet. When we live with a reflection of gratitude, there exists no argument within our consciousness. All of us have the capability to inspire, encourage, infuse, illuminate, direct, and profoundly experience who we are . . . the next step is as Michael Bernard Beckwith expresses, “Learn to become still. And to take your attention away from that which you don’t want, and all the emotional charge around it, and place your attention on what you wish to experience.” JLR