How much longer will you stay oblivious of the immensity of yourself? ~Rajneesh
In some traditions we are told that we are nothing—a wretch even. In other cultures we are told that we are everything—my needs are the most important. We hear much talk of overcoming ego or stepping into our power. We get mixed messages. What does it mean to become conscious of our immensity?
This is something I have been exploring for a while. I’m quite aware of my ego and the many ways it plays out in my life: from over-valuing to under-valuing myself, from taking everything personally to not being personally involved enough, and so on. I’m aware of how I contract myself, make myself small, so that I can stay safe.
What does it mean to become aware of my immensity? In part, it means becoming a big enough container to hold the complexities and paradoxes of life. It means becoming responsible to do the right thing, with love and compassion, in the face of those complexities. It means expanding beyond my ego-based needs to realizing that my life is not my own; my actions and decisions affect all. It means power with, not power over. It means stepping out of avoidance and selfishness into presence and availability. It means showing up with integrity and authenticity. It means aligning with the good, the true, and the beautiful.
This is some of what I’m beginning to understand about aligning with immensity. I would love to hear what you’ve discovered as you’ve explored this idea. If you would like, please scroll down and leave a comment in the comment box.
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This is such an important topic. I have mostly undervalued myself but also flip-flopped into overvaluing, without being able to find that balanced place in the middle. But I always think of this quote from the Talmud that says that every person (and I would add every Being) is an entire universe, and that if you kill someone you kill a universe, and if you save someone’s life you save a universe. I’ve always believed that. I tend to see the immensity in others but shy away from the immensity in myself.
Jen, I love this quote. Thank you for sharing it. I believe it, too. And when I live out of that place my life is better, even if circumstances aren’t.
So much love to you and your sweet family!
P.S. Jen, I see your immensity!!
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