Thursday, November 5, 2015

The Power of Being...

Simply Human

Do you not see that all your misery comes from the strange belief that you are powerless?
A Course in Miracles

Power is an interesting concept, isn't it? I remember reading the 1965 science fiction novel, Dune, by Frank Herbert, about a time 21,000 years in the future. Humanity has ventured out into space and colonized numerous planets. On one of these, Arrakis, exists a “spice” that allows the human population to become super-human in every way. It creates mental giants, exceptionally long life, and access to advanced spiritual dimensions. Because it can be found in only one place, that planet becomes the focus of endless wars, and the setting for every conceivable human treachery. Sound familiar?

Humanity is fascinated with having super-powers so much so that we've built an entire industry around that notion. A steady stream of superheros marches across our movie screens, our television shows, and the video games consumed by millions of children and adults around the globe. Graphic novels are best sellers, and now, there is a television series in which the protagonist takes a pill to become a super human. All of these involve violence, war, competition and greed—the guaranteed outcome of excessive desire for power.

Apparently, it isn't enough to be an ordinary human being any more—even though that is our reality. What we seemingly haven't grasped is the power of that simple state. Setting aside war for a moment, we can look at the enormous accomplishments of our fellow travelers—the curing of diseases, the building of nations, the exploration of the oceans and of our solar system, the mapping of the brain, the deciphering of DNA and the uniqueness of its message. I could go on and on. The truth is we are powerful beyond measure just as we are.

It is our perception of powerlessness that stands in the way of peace and plenty, that makes us feel we have to fight for control, defend ourselves violently, and take from others what they have in order to ensure that we have enough. Perception is everything. It creates our reality.

Today, I will notice the power of being one simple human being. I hope you will, too.
                                                        In the Spirit,

                                                             Jane

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