When I Remember Myself as a Spiritual Being
When I remember myself as a spiritual being, it is clear that we are all suffering and trying to feel better. These moments deepen my compassion for myself and all other sentient beings. The magnitude of the suffering across the world is breathtaking and I feel enormous anger at people who harm others. I can forget myself and be filled with thoughts of rebellion and revolution. I can lose myself in thoughts about groups of people and then I remember that these are just thoughts in my head. Always, the person in front of me deserves compassion and understanding.
I should be clear here that “compassion and understanding” is not some gooey emotional belief that everyone can be healed if they’re given enough love. No, not that. Instead, I’m coming from a desire to not increase the suffering in the world and from an understanding that people do what they do because of “the sum total of their learned experiences” (to steal a phrase from Michael Singer).
I believe that non-violent political movements and actions are more effective agents of change than violent ones. They also align with my desire to reduce the suffering in the world.
And I am not a pacifist. Sometimes strong action is the most compassionate step to take, as when self-defense prevents an attacker from becoming a killer. Pacifism is a privilege purchased with the efforts of those who are not pacifists.
What is needed is the approach of muscular kindness: concern for the wellbeing of all sentient beings married to a capacity to take strong action in the service of that concern.
The work of remembering who I am is ongoing.