So what do I mean when I write about a higher self? Is there really an aspect of us that already is that person we are trying so hard to become? For years I have decried my inability to overcome my judgments and addictions and have doubted that the wise, compassionate, creative, peaceful person is truly in here. How could I be compassionate and not call my sister for over a year and tell her I love her? How is it possible to be peaceful while I constantly experience inner turmoil and frustration with the direction of my work life? Six months ago, how was it possible for me to listen to my wife and become a writer when I truly felt I had nothing to say? Now here I am. My higher self is in here and it is pushing that scared, lonely, judgmental, frozen guy out of the way. It all starts with believing that our true nature as human beings is essentially good. That our potential is limitless and that we are here to collectively create a better world. In the midst of such a pandemic of cynicism, what is wrong with being an idealist? A vision must be conceived before it can be birthed.
Just two weeks and two diary entries before Ann Frank, along with her family were captured by the Gestapo after two years in hiding; she penned these words below in her diary. Our consciousness is raised just by reading these clearly enlightened words of forgiveness, understanding and hope.
Excerpt from The Diary of Anne Frank
“Deep down, the young are lonelier than the old.” I read this in a book somewhere and it’s stuck in my mind. As far as I can tell, it’s true. So if you are wondering whether it is harder for the adults here than for the children, the answer is no, it’s certainly not. Older people have an opinion about everything and are sure of their actions. It’s twice as hard for us young to hold on to our opinions at a time when ideals are being shattered and destroyed, when the worst side of human nature predominates, when everyone has come to doubt truth, justice and God.
Anyone who claims that the older folks have a more difficult time in the Annex doesn’t realize that the problems have a far greater impact on us. We’re much too young to deal with these problems, but they keep thrusting themselves on us until, finally, we are forced to think up a solution, though most of the time our solutions crumble when faced with the facts. It’s difficult in times like these: ideals, dreams and cherished hopes rise within us, only to be crushed by grim reality. It’s a wonder I haven’t abandoned all my ideals, they seem so absurd and impractical. Yet I cling to them because I still believe, in spite of everything that people are truly good at heart.
It’s utterly impossible for me to build my life on a foundation of chaos, suffering and death. I see the world being slowly transformed into a wilderness, I hear the approaching thunder that one day will destroy us too, I feel the suffering of millions. And yet, when I look up at the sky, I somehow feel that everything will change [emphasis mine] for the better that this cruelty too will end, that peace and tranquility will return once more. In the meantime, I must hold on to my ideals. Perhaps the day will come, when I will be able to realize them!”- The Diary of Anne Frank pg. 327. Edited by Otto H. Frank and Mirjam Pressler.
I do not believe these are the words of a 12 year old girl but of an old soul whose words reach across time. It is a beautiful thing to connect to your higher self and the higher self of those around you. I have found that simply by asking to do so, doors to communication will open. The twin story from an earlier entry is one example. For those of you that have been around me on a number of occasions when I have fumbled through my words, the very existence of this blog, is another.
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