Mystic Musings: Lent 2/21

“You might quiet the whole world for a second if you pray.

And if you love, if you really love, our guns will wilt.”
St. John of the Cross, 16th century Christian mystic

This reminds me of the quote attributed to Martin Luther King, Jr., “Be the peace you wish to see in the world.” It is a spiritual counter to the more utilitarian approach that we often hear in political circles, “Peace through strength.” Spiritual leaders will tell that “peace through strength” might set the stage for a temporary absence of war and conflict, but does not actually constitute true peace where we live in harmony and without fear.

Photo by Anastasia Krutola @krutola

All of this comes down to creating the reality that our hearts most desire not by taking away that which we don’t like, but by filling our lives and our world with the qualities we  most desire. Psychologically, this reveals a deep truth. Most “bad” behavior is rooted in fear and a need to protect oneself. Simply removing the bad behavior does nothing to erase the reasons for the behavior. But watch how bad behavior simply melts away when one feels loved, feels safe and feels appreciated. Just taking bad stuff away is almost always short-lived. What is lasting is when you crowd the bad out with the good.

Here are some questions to ponder in your sitting meditation:

• What most disturbs you and angers you right now? About self, others, world?

• If the offending behavior or person were removed what would you put in its place?

• Are you willing to shift the energy you are putting into your anger and resentment to building what you do want rather than eradicating what you don’t want?

• Do you actually believe that “if you love, if you really love, our guns will wilt.”?

• Will you base your life and actions on that?

• If so, what does that look like for how you show up to yourself, others, the world?

• If not, can you offer yourself grace?