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| I will not live in idealism. Step 54 |
WHAT IS IDEALISM BUT IDEAS OF THINGS THAT ARE HOPED
FOR based on disappointment? Your idealism includes yourself, your
relationships and the world in which you live. It includes God and life and all
realms of experience that you can imagine. Without experience, there is
idealism. Idealism can be helpful at the beginning, for it can start you moving
in a true direction, but you must not rest your conclusions or your identity
upon it, for only experience can give you that which is true to you and that
which you can fully accept. Let not idealism guide you, for Knowledge is here
to guide you.
IN YOUR TWO PRACTICE PERIODS TODAY, recognize the
extent of your own idealism. Observe carefully what you want yourself to be,
what you want your world to be and what you want your relationships to be.
Repeat today’s idea and, with eyes closed, examine each of your ideals. Even
though your ideals may look beneficial and seem to represent your desire for
love and harmony, they in effect hold you back, for they replace that which
would truly give you the gifts that you seek.
PRACTICE 54: Two 30-minute practice periods.
Picture: The Flatirons - a landscape
owned by the City of Boulder; an ideal community in the eyes of many.
From the journal Step
53 - My gifts are for others.
11:35
p.m. – Wednesday, October 11, 2000
Step
53 – My gifts are for others. Two 30 minute sessions – but I did not do them as
meditation or stillness. I thought about it throughout the day – I have been
and am continuing to contribute to them, the Commission – the region – doing
the work – and getting no recognition – it is tiring – so I don't know my
problem.
I
don't feel fulfilled. I am contributing… But it's my job…so…who cares.
I
know I'm here to contribute, I want to contribute, but the wanting gets in the
way. Like Al Gore wanting to be President and being self-defeating in seeking
the role. I feel the same. Angry…though this is not right – if not wrong.
–
The desire to contribute – when people don't want help – is considered
invasive, controlling – nanny laws, etc. – So, what is right?
Watching
John Edward – as he brings through the dead – reflects a world of crossing
over that is not much different than here – people's personalities and ways
(strong or not) remain the same.
Should
I be different here? How can I be what I am not? My age-old question.
This work will bring
up all of the problems and perspectives you have had. Keep at them. Let us
continue.
NNC
Note: If you’ve some interest due to this or other
Steps, you should go to the beginning blog post. From here you will learn about Steps to Knowledge
and can begin it on the day that makes sense; then progress as needed. You can
use the posts on this blog as a companion if it helps. They will remain in
order in the archives - one post per Step.
Often it takes 18 months to get through the Steps
once. For this blog, the pace is one-a-day, but it really makes no difference
how fast you do it, only that you begin, persist and repeat. Posts here provide
a trail that may let you have a virtual companion when and if you want one. One
may have to study alone, as I did in the beginning. There are other Steps
students blogging their experience and you might find a person more like you as
a companion, or use a number of such Steps journeys. There are options as well
through the Free School of the New Message.
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