I realize that much of the process of education involves
classifying, sorting, categorizing, etc. various ideas, thoughts, concepts, and
constructs. We seem to need a framework
of some type to “hang” an idea on, in order to grasp it.
Nonetheless, I find “either/or” statements problematic, particularly
when it comes to discussions about a topic which falls into the realm of mostly
what I would call “experiential opinion”.
Is God “within”, looking to our unfoldment in order to give
greater expression? Is God “without”,
trying to get into our hearts and minds”?
We discussed the “let it in / let it out” (the “it” being God) in class
on Tuesday. Of course, we came to no
conclusions, and I for one, am not willing to “pick one”.
As I voiced in class, I do not see an issue with AND. It is full of possibility. There is no finite measurable verifiable
infallible way to “prove” God – so is this just an egoic conversation about who
is “right”?
Yes, I am aware that “if this is true, then that means…”
types of discussions. I find it mostly
irrelevant to my daily experience of God.
I gave the example of “water”. Present within me, in great quantity. Water as the basis of blood and other body
fluids. Some “water” present as interstitial AND intrastitial cellular fluid, spinal fluid, tears, etc. Some expressed
only when needed, such as sweat, some to be released to the outside, as
urine. Water vapor is present as a
component of the breath – necessary for comfort of the airways, and a byproduct
of respiration. That’s my experience of
water “inside”me. Mostly operating and doing it’s thing below the level of
consciousness, but essential nonetheless. All providing something essential to my life, on so many levels. Oh, and I sometimes drink the stuff too… purposely and consciously putting it into my
body as water, coffee, tea, etc.
And then there is my experience of water “outside” of
me. This experience of water occurs on a
much more conscious level. I am
conscious of experiencing water as weather – rain, sleet, snow, fog, mist, dew,
etc. I experience water as a cleansing
agent for my body. I experience water as
a buoyant and refreshing immersion in the pool or lake on a hot summer
day. Or in which I wash the dishes, or clothes. I experience water externally in many, many, MANY forms –
ice, liquid, hot, cold, steam, etc. And,
sometimes I consciously drink the stuff too… oh, I said that already. Probably because when someone says “water” I
initially think of one thing – that thing upon which I anchor my definition. A drink of water. Although I experience water daily in a multitude of ways... I tend to think of "water" in a limited sort of way.
My point is, how is this different from God? All the way from the smallest molecule of my
being to the grandest expression in the cosmos – who is to say that the essence
we call “God” isn’t present throughout?
Sometimes, it’s time to let it out.
Sometimes it’s time to take it in.
And, sometimes, it’s time to let it BE!