Bring forth what is within you.

Being Whole

“...at a certain point, how we live inside takes priority.”

Mark Nepo (The Book of Awakening)

Have you ever tried to live a lie? Have you ever tried to live within the confines of a certain expectation, or a particular belief system, that in your bones you knew was wrong, but couldn't say so? To say so, would have gotten you cast out of the family, or the relationship, or whatever community you were ensconced within. If you risked speaking yourself authentically, you would no longer “belong” within this brotherhood, or sisterhood or family. So, everyday, you put on a mask of unity, and went forth into the world as half of who you really are. If you have ever done this, then you know the constant ache of lack of self, lack of soul.

There comes a time when that kind of half-life is no longer possible—when the decision to live from one's fullness is more important than belonging within a particular community, relationship, or family. At some point we realize that the choice is between living and dying. Almost every one of us finds ourselves at this cross-roads at some juncture of our lives, and we have to make a decision. We either bring out the part of us who's lived in the shadows, or we lose a primary life-giving source. In the Gnostic Gospel of Thomas, Jesus states it clearly: “If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.”

When we begin to live from the fullness of our being, from our authentic self, life flows through us like a river. Trying to hide half of who we are will not keep us safe. Part of the soul's journey is to bring forth our totality as a gift to the world. “Do not be afraid.” is the most often cited commandment in the Bible for a reason.

                                               In the Spirit,

                                                   Jane