We struggle to achieve, to strive toward something, to control, and to make things reflect what we want them to be. We have a notion that we are free to do whatever we want, but the bottom line is that we live in a world filled with illusion and millions of mindsets all vying to predominate – each reflecting from its own vantage point and historical context.

The illusion is that we have freedom to do and be whatever we want, but in truth, there is enslavement to systems, families, tribes, etc. etc. Until we recognize the earth for what it is… reform school, penal colony… whatever type of description that speaks of attraction/sorrow. For it was attraction that drew us here, and it is attraction that keeps us bound in scripts that repeat themselves over and over again until finally we make a minor adjustment in our way of seeing the world that causes a slight shift. And then we go on to the next point of view that finds its reflection in the world around us, mirroring what we believe and what we choose to project.

Earth as reform school is not meant to be taken as a harsh statement or judgment – but rather a point of liberating view, because if we truly look at life with the lens of no script, we see that we have become enmeshed or engulfed in a story that isn’t necessarily true. We also see that everything born into this realm goes through a death process. In essence, there is no permanence. Each may have a different life cycle, but in the end, everything dies, so being tied to results or momentary wants can only lead to disappointment or desire for something else when the thrill is gone.

This is the planet where we get a chance to work through our illusions, and the true opportunity here – actually, the only opportunity – is to wake up and recognize that freedom is internal – an inside job, and that we have the birthright to release ourselves from the cycle of suffering that is caused by our constant attachment to desires.

The insatiable need for position, power, status, money, perfection, and all the “things” that go with it can only last for a certain amount of time. A new car becomes last year’s model in less than twelve months. New clothes lose their newness after several wearing’s. That huge screened TV will be old technology before we’ve even finished paying for it, and the relationship we just “had” to have will become a real person before we know it with all the complexity and humanness that real people present. The beautiful body or strong physique gives way to age, and soon we get old as every generation has before.

So, what is the way “out” of this insatiable round of wants, needs, disappointments, hopes, and all the other forms of attachment that lead to ultimate endings? Our only success is through unifying our internal lens of perception with a unified force field – not the distracting, fragmenting one that plays on our desire for fame, fortune, specialness, victimization, etc. The only way out is in, and the only real substance is the unifying field of Love. Everything else is distraction that keeps us from Being.

In dealing with our frustrations, the only reaction that “saves” us is love. “Love thy enemies” is a truly brilliant concept because it changes the whole tenor of our connections. I’ve used it with neighbors and others with whom I have had major disagreements. Once I turn the energy to loving and praying for them without my own agenda… giving up my viewpoint, something happens that softens the relationship and certainly my own attitude within it. My need to be right or hold on to my view of what the correct procedure is only keeps me locked in an isolated position, and hardened positions are only softened through compassion. Doesn’t matter what it looks like. It’s all an opportunity for us to practice the presence of Love.

Compassion and kindness and all the other life affirming qualities begin with us – so just as enmity is felt by us first, we must also give ourselves the gift of gentle acceptance, and then we can share it with others. If our cup isn’t filled, we cannot give to others. Depleted resources cause us to be stingy, because there isn’t enough to go around. We cannot give to others what we are unwilling to give to ourselves, and the way we give to ourselves is by opening to the incredible internal resource that waits upon our welcome. When we ask for help from this invisible realm of Love, it is given. There is a biblical statement that points the way: “Knock, and the door is opened. Ask, and you shall receive.”

So we are the ones who have to be willing to knock, be willing to ask, be ready to receive. And once done, to go back again and again to the wellspring of provisions – strengthening ourselves in light and the benefits of being in Love rather than anger. When we do this – when we feel the worthiness of freeing ourselves from our own error consciousness, or the implanted scripts that we inherited from our family, culture, religion, media – we are on our way to freedom. It is possible. It is probable. Only the time we take to find our way to this amazing state of grace is in our hands, and it’s up to us to finally have enough of the sorrow or disappointments to look for a different way – a way that awakens us to a worthwhile life!