It’s a common phrase, essentially implying either: one or the other. Neither alternative constituting an overly partial predilection.
But taken out of the worldly realm of specifics and placed into a non-dualistic spiritual sphere, the term takes on substantially greater significance. One. Or, something else entirely.
One. Or, the other. That’s the head-scratching, mind-boggling metaphysics of infinite oneness. There can be no other. Any other merely an illusory concept.
But what of a me?
Therein lies the attraction of duality. The other. No longer one or the other. One is gone. We’re left with the other. Predicating a seeming reality of selfhood. Oneness relegated to new-age wordplay.
Yet the crucial choice remains. Once we’ve reached the realization that no amount of temporal tantalization can substitute for unconditional peace. At which point we’re ready to reconsider one as the antithesis of the other.
In each moment that decision is made. And all experience attests to the desired option. As we read in A Course in Miracles, "The world you see depicts exactly what [choice you made]; for what you value you must want to see." (T-27.VIII.7; W-pI.130.1)
One. Or the other. The alternatives stand before us. One quietly reflecting the serene stillness of infinite bliss. The other loudly shrieking, "Choose me!"
As the course counsels, "On this choice depends far more than you may realize as yet." (T-21.V.1) A testament to the true source of cause and effect. Thus if the goal is less pain and more peace, it behooves us to choose wisely.
Join me in Thursday’s class where we’ll consider the implications of one or the other and how we can reap the unimaginable benefits of one. I look forward to seeing you then.