What If Changing the World Was Up You?
How would you live?
At a weekend workshop, I asked this question to Byron Katie, a spiritual teacher I’ve followed for years and benefitted from her Work.
“Given the historical progression of evolution where organisms and consciousness seem to be progressing over time, do you think that humans are on a path to become more conscious?”
Her answer gave me pause: “Well, that would be up to you.”
In that moment I was a bit baffled with her answer because I was hoping she’d confirm things would happily proceed without much participations from me!
The entire workshop was - among other things - an exercise to focus on the things we are responsible for in life. So many times Katie would redirect people back to their own agency in working through situations.
Katie’s answer to my question likewise redirected my question back to me.
So over the weekend I really pondered the questions:
What if the evolution of human consciousness was up to me?
What if the progress of humanity was directly proportional to my own enlightenment?
What would I do differently, how would I live?
This is not just a theoretical question; from my own experience I’ve seen how authentic actions have a powerful effect in this world.
So how will I live?
First, dealing with my own issues as honestly as possible.
"Remove the plank from your own eye before you remove the speck from your brother’s eye." - Christianity
"Focus on what is within your control." - Stoicism
"Peace in your home comes first." - Judaism
"Authenticity begins with personal responsibility." - Existentialism
"Cultivate the self to harmonize the world." - Taoism
What is keeping me from having peace? For many of us, politics creates intense stress and suffering which permeates our soul and affects the rest of our lives.
Are we open-minded enough to investigate — within ourselves — the root cause of this stress? If our inner peace is dependent only on the right party being elected, we have surrendered our power in that situation. Focusing on others destroys our autonomy, focusing on ourselves restores it.
There is a way out, by going in. That area inside us that causes so much suffering can be transformed into liberation. I can help you with that process.
What if changing the world started with you changing you?
Book a free session here and begin the journey to inner peace.
And of course the famous Mahatma Gandhi quote, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” The reminders are all around us. ✨
Love Byron Katie. One of the most intensive retreats I've enjoyed. As I wash the dishes, I imagine the density of many situations rinsing gently into the waters into the waters into the waters.