AVAILABLE LIGHT: The Truth in times like these.
The below – from a full page ad in the February 27/17 edition of the New York Times – is perhaps one of the most important messages of our time – it points to, and sounds the beginning of, America’s emerging search for happiness beyond the material, via our ongoing discovery of truth. I’d like to re-present this powerful message of 19 profound statements in boldface capital letters, with gratitude to NYT and all of us who are seeing the need for an authentic, sustainable relationship to each other and mother earth. To fidelity with reality.
I’ve offered some commentary in italics between the ad statements and will leave it up to you to determine if they’re appropriate and relevant. I invite your comments too, below or at www.nondualityliving@gmail.com
THE TRUTH IS HARD.
…yes, and perhaps it’s so hard because we resist it so much. A little easing off of our resistance to what’s happening and our insistence that things should be happening other than they are, reduces lots of stress and allows us to see thru the Fog of the Fake. We may see what’s really happening more clearly and respond appropriately, powerfully, in little and large ways.
THE TRUTH IS HIDDEN.
…and the truth is clouded and apparently hidden by our false ideas about it. It’s essential to see the facts that underlie our human fancies. It’s helpful to see that truth which underpins our ideals – one of which is the recognition of our shared nature which is goodness.
THE TRUTH MUST BE PURSUED.
…and the fastest way to see the truth is to stop, look and listen; when we rest a little and allow for the possibility that we don’t already know everything about it, the truth is given the space to present itself fully as it is. And what’s more, it’s useful to realize that truth is a moveable feast; today’s truth may not be the same truth tomorrow, just as we can’t step into the same river twice. So stay tuned.
THE TRUTH IS HARD TO HEAR.
…yes, and that’s because we often don’t want to hear it. It seems threatening, but in fact, once it’s recognized and accepted, it does relieve us of the weight of pretending and allow us to relax, to give it a rest and to respond not from what we’re against, but from what we’re for.
THE TRUTH IS RARELY SIMPLE.
…and maybe that’s because we think it must be complicated. The truth, when fully seen, is self-evident, undeniable; like the weather today, it’s what’s actually happening. It’s always changing, and paradoxically, it’s happening only here and now. Perhaps living with truth requires a constant attending to changing events – like a sailor who adjusts his sails to new conditions as they arise.
THE TRUTH ISN’T SO OBVIOUS.
…and perhaps that’s because there’s often a little truth in the false which may make the false hard to determine. Indeed, the deception is in the details, and a closer, open-minded look will often reveal the facts of the situation.
THE TRUTH IS NECESSARY.
…yes, it’s essential like the air we breathe, for any authentic relationship.
THE TRUTH CAN’T BE GLOSSED OVER.
…it’s hard to ignore, but we try, no matter what! We’re often used to avoiding facts by inventing our own and we keep the resulting stress in our “pain body.” Could it be that that argument with the truth – that culturally supported violence to our self and others, is what makes us sick?
THE TRUTH HAS NO AGENDA.
…it plays no favorites, ever. It discerns differences but does not discriminate. Truth is not personal; it neither prefers nor denies reality.
THE TRUTH CAN’T BE MANUFACTURED.
…there’s no alternative to reality, to what is in the moment. Our strongest falsehoods are the most believed and therefore, defended. It’s essential to see for ourselves the false in the false and also recognize whatever truth there may be buried in falseness.
THE TRUTH DOESN’T TAKE SIDES.
…and our opinions are often not fact-based, but annecdotal. We’ve been cultured, programmed over decades to believe what we think is true, with or without, verifiable facts.
THE TRUTH ISN’T RED OR BLUE.
…or black and white. It’s not colored by prejudice – what actually, factually is happening, is purely and simply – with or without our consent – true. Our problems arise when we fail to see to the bottom of things and resort to actions arising from surface misunderstandings.
THE TRUTH IS HARD TO ACCEPT.
…it’s hard to accept because we often don’t see things and events with a view to know their truth. The first step – and the last – toward preserving our freedom, is to see what binds us to our limited opinions – fear.
THE TRUTH PULLS NO PUNCHES.
…the good news and the bad news – depending on your perspective – is that, like change, truth it’s unstoppable. It’s probably best not to contend with reality, to step out of the ring and just watch the fight for awhile before we respond.
THE TRUTH IS POWERFUL.
…it packs all the power of reality, which will and must, prevail. It alone can bring the real peace we want and need just to function well and truly and, long term, to sustain our species and the planet perhaps.
THE TRUTH IS UNDER ATTACK.
…the truth is subtle, not noisy and assertive, it draws its power from reality; it is and always will be, indisputable. In that sense, it requires no defense. Still, at times, we may be called to take a stand.
THE TRUTH IS WORTH DEFENDING.
…and, fortunately, it is the false that requires the most vigorous defense to keep it propped up; the truth just needs to be directly presented and clearly perceived by us and its’ inherent power will act to dissolve the imagined “alternative facts.”
THE TRUTH REQUIRES TAKING A STAND.
…and we cannot “fight for peace.” If we would stand for Peace, then we must start at home and then in our neighborhoods by first seeing and resolving our own inner violence. Then perhaps, we may demonstrate that peace in many ways, from being kind to a stranger to joining in a peaceful demonstration.
THE TRUTH IS MORE IMPORTANT NOW THAN EVER.
…and as always in times of peril, we are called to grow, to accept change, to allow and to embrace our differences; to discover and uncover our common nature of mutual interdependence and goodness – to “love one another as we do our self,” and to act from that love without fear or compulsion.
~ The New York Times
