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Fooling Around
September 7, 2018
"If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid."
The Greek philosopher, Epictetus
If someone who is very rational and analytical were to summarize my character based on events that occurred over the past few years of my life - and my responses to them - I am certain that the word "fool" or "foolish" would be part of their description. And they would be right.
Perhaps I trust where others are not so trusting. Probably I give individuals the benefit of the doubt where others would not. Admittedly my favorite glasses are rose-colored.
And yes, I have been burned. But who hasn't? Baptism by fire is neither pleasant nor easy, but it is usually pretty quick. Any sticky residue has been burned off, so most likely when it's done, it's done. The lesson has not only been learned, it has been lived, and it has probably left a mark.
Perhaps I trust where others are not so trusting. Probably I give individuals the benefit of the doubt where others would not. Admittedly my favorite glasses are rose-colored.
And yes, I have been burned. But who hasn't? Baptism by fire is neither pleasant nor easy, but it is usually pretty quick. Any sticky residue has been burned off, so most likely when it's done, it's done. The lesson has not only been learned, it has been lived, and it has probably left a mark.
Baptism by Fire
Some scholars of spiritual traditions say that baptism by fire refers to the testing of disciples. Others liken it to an initiation into a new role. Both of these make sense to me. I do feel tested; I do feel like I have been undergoing an Initiation of sorts.
Initiation isn't just a ceremony. As a right of passage, it is a process that involves both creation and annihilation - making room for the things that one wants by getting rid of the things that one no longer needs. But we are not talking about cleaning out closets here - we are referring to BIG changes in one's life - like moving away from home, buying a home, getting married, going through divorce, starting a career, losing a job, changing careers, retiring, giving birth, empty nesting, battling a major illness, healing from a major illness, caretaking for a loved one, living through a catastrophe or other trauma, grieving the death of a loved one.
All of these events are part of the natural cycle of life. And yet, when they are occurring - whether welcome or not - they don't feel natural. They shift the flow of energy, they interrupt our routines. They suggest, and sometimes impose, change upon us; they prompt us to reconsider our thoughts and beliefs about how the universe operates, and our role in all of it.
If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid
Questioning one's beliefs and reconsidering one's assumptions about the Universe feels "foolish and stupid," and therefore can be the toughest of all of these changes to work through. Yet resistance is futile; it is counter-productive, and can even cause a spiritual crisis on top of everything else.
That's because our deeply held beliefs are paramount. This is where we cross the threshold of initiation. This is where we improve. This is where spiritual growth takes place - and spiritual growth is the entire point. This is where we anchor ourselves, and begin to settle into the new phase of life.
What helps? A regular spiritual practice of meditation, prayer, or journaling. Reaching out to a counselor or trusted friend for support or another perspective. Spending time in nature. Everyday activities like folding the laundry, clearing out a closet, weeding the garden, writing letters. Helping others who are going through challenging times - indeed, being of service is one of the best ways to get back to a place of centeredness.
Eventually, when you are again ready to trust the Universe - to take even a small risk in life - this may be a sign that you have found your footing and are ready to traverse your new spiritual path. Take it. And when you do, keep in mind the following quotation that is attributed to various wise fools:
"When you come to the edge of all the light you have known, and are about to step out into darkness, faith is knowing one of two things will happen; there will be something solid to stand on, or you will be taught to fly."