What do you represent?
Perhaps particular causes? Certain beliefs? A national affiliation?
Everyone represents. Typically corresponding to what matters most to them. You might say we represent our identity, our me-ness.
But a question worth contemplating is whether we represent well.
Consider this radical idea: you represent everyone. Everyone! Without exception. Whoever comes across your mind, you represent them.
What does it mean to represent everyone? You are their emissary for awakening. You are the beacon of light illuminating the pathway toward peace. That is how important you are.
As A Course in Miracles lovingly reminds: light and joy and peace abide in us. Our job is to gently reveal the darkened spots we've fearfully imprinted upon that radiance.
How do we identify such occlusions?
By those we exclude. Kind thoughts and warm wishes directed toward some, but not all. True representation is an all-or-nothing proposition. To exclude is to set apart and judge. "This one is not worthy of my love," so our discrimination declares.
Jesus might well have said, "What you do to the most unlovable of my brothers, you do unto me."
But the pathway is not traversed by pretending to love those we actually despise. Denial, repression, and false representation get us nothing but more of the same.
Rather, we advance by looking with gentleness, and without judgment, at all our exclusionary tactics. Our inner sense of justified superiority over those unworthy of our warmth.
To represent well is to look honestly at how often we represent poorly. That is what leads to the promised land of perfect peace, for all.
Join me in Thursday's class where we'll explore the concept of representation and practices for experiencing more joy and less suffering. I look forward to seeing you then.