Bear's Blog

…an external cause of our problems! Throughout history people have found a scapegoat to blame for their misfortune and suffering. Accusing and attacking the Other creates division and strife; along with the impulse to control, it causes wars. Projecting discontent outward can cement the identity of groups, cultures, and countries. Claiming moral high ground is used to justify harm - religious violence is the most pervasive. It also relieves uncomfortable feelings like shame, anxiety or guilt.

What’s going on psychologically and emotionally when you look outside yourself for cause and effect? Personally we need validation, understanding, companionship and love from others. We seek social reinforcement from friends and family - society too. What happens when those needs aren’t met? Trying to explain feelings of lack can lead to being critical of others. Not satisfied with the way they act, or how they show love - or show up! - we might act out in negative ways, or try to control (er, direct? help?) them.

On a bigger scale, we may wish to see justice, fairness, and other societal ideals. There is so much suffering created by people and institutions! Again, we can target structural inequity and the people involved in that as enemies. Is the whole world conspiring against us? David Hawkins* calibrates levels of consciousness and believes there is an important threshold; above it people recognize their part in what’s happening, below it people blame everyone and everything else.

An external pursuit can also come from feeling a lack of spiritual connection, and searching for answers and guidance from others. To some degree that is appropriate, but we can’t abdicate the responsibility to make an effort, to develop our own awareness. To discover our deeper purpose in life, and a sense of communion and intimacy with all things.  

Most religions and the great spiritual teachers espouse that the truth, the key, the source to salvation lies within. The soul comes into this earthly form and influences each person to a greater or lesser degree. It’s our connection to oneness, the spirit that resides in everything. It’s the internal place to focus our attention when we are dissatisfied with the way things are. That’s why they call it “soul-searching”! 

People belong to families, groups and nations that are involved in outsourcing blame and causing harm, whether knowingly or unconsciously. It’s “shadow work” to see, name and explore those dynamics. Personally in present time, in our ancestral lineage, and even the impulses inherent in humanity itself. What is underlying our thoughts, feelings and behavior? What are we ignoring or denying? There is no blame or judgement, but forgiveness is not approval - it’s understanding and acceptance.

Taking responsibility for our part in a situation indicates spiritual maturity. It’s an ongoing process to expose the shadows. We arrive at truth through meditative introspection; otherwise, the pattern remains unconscious and unchallenged. As we practice this inward focus, our soul energy radiates out and influences everything. It automatically manifests in words and actions without effort. We can create more harmony and peace in our world.

Peace, love and healing -

Bear

Want to learn more about the soul body? Click HERE

*David Hawkins, “Power vs. Force”

Thanks to Richard Rohr for inspiring this piece!