Can an individual be enlightened? Only when they realize they are a part of the infinite and by that time, there is no one there to ask the question. You see, that question was asked by what Vernon Howard calls the False Self, or ego. The True Self, or essence, is the answer to the question. Now we have discarded the false and embraced the true. We are all the living presence of God.
How can I be so bold as to say this? Only by living it, by being it, by transmitting it effortlessly. The minute I put effort into it, I have become false. And the world, by nature, is false. Christ said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” Truer words were never spoken.
Last night I went to a kirtan. The grace flowed forth from every person present. Not just from the musicians, but from everyone there. No one was separate from anyone else. We felt this, we tasted this. What can’t this happen everywhere? Only because a state of sleep rules humanity. It takes a certain energy to escape from this world and most people don’t want to be bothered. And even if you do, it will take your whole life to become the One Life. Your ego death has to occur moment by moment by moment.
I just submitted my final manuscript for editing. I got down on my knees, literally, and gave it over to God. I am learning that is the only way for me to get anything done. On my knees knowing that Vicki is an artifice from start to finish. But beneath the veneer lies the Kingdom of Heaven if I choose to enter in. And I do. I choose it endlessly, ever new, ever present, everlasting.
Vicki Woodyard
So beautifully said, Vicki. And a question that, I believe, every spiritual pilgrim has to ask at some point in their journey. You, as much as possible for anyone to do, actually do live it through your writing, videos, and posts. But, as we know, it is a constant challenge as human beings living on this earth to stay centered in that beautiful space of Grace. You are an inspiration for all of us who are lucky enough to know you. Reading your daily posts help me to “give it over to God.” Thank you.
It is the nature of the journey to have to work very hard re-establishing lost ground. Lost by what and who? By the usurper of essence, the ego! Prayer and repentance help. The old elbow-grease of the soul, so to speak. And the mystery of it is quite beyond the mind.