Become Aware

Perception Is Everything

“Since you agree that a particle of divine energy animates you, you can understand that a contact, a direct perception of this circulating energy, must be possible. You can also understand that the key to the mystery of consciousness resides in this capacity of perception, which is not a mental act but the awakening of a dormant property.”

Michael Conge (Presence and Prayer; Parabola, Fall, 2017, p. 68)

You have heard people say, “Perception is everything.” and it's true. The way we perceive the world is the way the world is for us. It's a cup half empty, or a cup half full sort of thing. If I perceive the world to be a nasty, black-hearted place, then everything will line up to prove my point because I will see only what is nasty and black-hearted. If that is my reality, I will feel small and powerless. If I say to myself, “There are some very bad things going on in the world, but some very good things are happening too.” then I will feel more hopeful. And if I say to myself, “There are some bad things happening, as well as some good things, and I can be a force for good.” then I have far more energy and capacity for coping with the parts of life that are difficult for me.

That spark of divine energy, that indwelling Spirit, is a birthright. You and I are born with it, as are all other living beings. Little babies and animals simply live in it without being aware of it. But for adult humans it's different. In order to activate the power of divine energy, we must first perceive it; that is, experience its presence. It's always there, but requires our conscious perception to become active in our lives. We bring that energy on line with awareness. Awareness is not entirely a mental thing—we don't just think divine energy—it is a whole body experience. We are aware at a cellular level.

When we are whole-body aware of the presence of life within and without, we are connected to the One mighty source of living energy. One huge generator with billions of strands of light out-flowing. Then our perceptions change; we understand the power of the whole of which we are part. Our one strand is just as important and potent as any other; our prayers become the prayers of the whole. We can hold ourselves, other people, the Earth, and the entire cosmos in that light. It is the great mystery, and all it requires is our perception.

                                                            In the Spirit,

                                                               Jane