when it was time to go home and this simple system of observation determined my relative position to the truck. Disillusioned by rank, I decided to announce my belief in my ability to find our ride and asked them to trust my leadership. Predictably, they reacted in sneering doubt, but begrudgingly gave me a try as their legs grew tight and sore. A bit stunned, they watched as I calmly followed a contour along the low hills in the fading light ending directly at the truck passenger side door. The piercing silence was only broken by the creaking moan of the rusty door hinge. I could see it in their faces: how could a raggedly dressed underling show up years of book learning when all else was even?
Truly, these individual strengths and characteristics define the human experience as we shape and develop them. I didn’t score thirty points in front of a sold out Chicago crowd, but for the four of us, finding the car was of far more relevance. Whether trailblazing through nature, having amazing comedic timing, or an ability to dunk a basketball from the top of the key, everyone has usable skills. Everyone.
But let's back up a moment and observe the
greater horizon: in reference to this “common man” are there essences in human existence that go above and beyond simple gifts or skills? Can a common man/woman walk on water and impact their world in significant ways that both inspire and expand? And, do concepts like spiritualism really exist beyond religious texts?
As I humbly accept my mediocrity and ponder where to go from here, I respond with a definitive yes to all these questions. Each of us has more to give than sitting passively in front of the television, and goodness can be promoted without the benefit of a billionaire’s checkbook. It may generate from thoughts, kindness, or the ability of one’s heart to envelope the soul of another. Spiritual consciousness lay inside each human being and is capable of sending waves of light into those who need to be seen, heard, or lifted to higher states of possibility.
An authentic Christian, Hindu, or Buddhist is fulfilled by helping people toward a path of truth rather than a life consumed by control or ego. How many who see themselves as righteous have taken joy in the destruction of the non-believer over choosing compassion? I’ve heard bible thumping Christians relish in the thought of atheists being boiled in the biblical lakes of Armegeddon sulfur. How much good was overlooked with so much energy being directed by hate? If the motivation for their beliefs comes from a just, loving diety, why should it matter what others believe? Many in our society are capable of great evil, but if I am allowed a voice, I hope to be gracious enough to ask they be spared hell at the end of the world. Every human being has a piece of God within them and this does not change with the bits of tarnish earned through life. Removing all hope for an eternity for but 70 years of sin kills the possibility of the hidden good ever emerging to serve God. One chance seems ridiculous in a timeless afterlife when we are born so ignorant. How can the compassion of a god have limits where universal love exists?
People of consciousness are content to take a back seat. Madonna, Mick Jagger and other entertainers made millions by being driven to be seen and admired in ego baths of self-gluttony. They used their voice and their bodies to win almost cultish followings and