To remember who you are, is the greatest gift
you can give to creation. To awaken from the sleep of self-deprecation
and doubt, is the purpose for which you have come into this world.
You can remain confused and unsure of yourself for a lifetime.
You can keep your eyes fixed on what others think of you, or
offer you, or need from you. You can refuse to go inward and
discover what it is that you know, what it is that you feel and
want and need. You can look forever toward others, seeking guidance
and reassurance and help. Or you can go inward and begin to find
out what it is that you love and want and need. You can discover
your own heart, your own urge, and you can learn to rely on the
guidance you receive there, through your own quiet knowing.
This is what it means when we talk about 'awakening'. It is not
some mysterious event that comes out of the galaxy to suddenly
illuminate your soul. No, it is a simple thing. 'Awakening'
is merely the ability to hear and honor your own self, moment
by moment. To do this, you must learn the skill of listening
deeply to your own inner promptings, rather than being endlessly
tossed around by outer influences, the thoughts, needs, beliefs,
fears, desires and agreements of those around you.
If you commit yourself to 'awakening' from your sleep of self-forgetfulness,
it will take all the strength you have to break the bonds that
tie you to your limiting beliefs and keep you hiding in the darkness,
hand extended toward others, like a beggar, pretending not to
know.
What good does it do creation, when you choose to remain lost
in the shadow of your fearful self, looking always to others
to tell you who you are, where you must go and what you should
think? It benefits no one for you to remain unaware of the essential
wisdom buried in your own nature, which you alone can access.
Do not stop on the plateau of self-forgetfulness. Press on. The
time has come for you to remember yourself, to awaken to your
own guidance and to follow, no matter what the cost.
This journey to the centre of your own being, so that you can
remember and awaken, is the only true gift that you can give
to creation.
