Barefoot Discernment

This Week's Quotation:

First of all, I believed nothing was impossible and at the same time, I questioned everything.

~ Sri Aurobindo

Barefoot Discernment

Rev. Berry Behr, Global Interfaith Ambassador

Sri Aurobindo was a visionary Indian activist who developed the practice of Integral Yoga based on the understanding that opening to deeper self-knowledge leads to an experience of oneness with the Divine, creating an experience of heaven on earth.

Like many others, I was raised to believe my elders. Personal discernment was sternly advised, but in practice strictly discouraged. On the cusp of teenhood, I felt panic—I had no opinions and I needed to get them! But without a basis of trust in myself, my point of reference remained external for many years which led me into all sorts of trouble. Eventually, I found a question that I thought may serve well, and it has. When in doubt, I ask, Where is the Love? But sometimes it is hard to answer that question accurately. Sometimes we see love everywhere and sometimes we just can’t see it at all.

It is possible that two opposing perspectives may be true at the same time. Anything is possible (magic happens), and yet skepticism that looks for the sleight of hand is also healthy. It’s a continuum, not a disconnect. The current “truest truth“ is revealed by the right questions. These days, a questioner risks ridicule and even attacks from people of strong views who dislike questions. It is more important than ever to protect our right to question and to exercise compassion, care, and authentic curiosity in our questioning. It is also essential to understand our own biases.

I call this process “barefoot discernment” because exploring the right choice calls for a no-holds-barred moment of truth. If I truly seek to serve the Divine, there can be no protection from the rawness of the burning tar beneath my feet. When my intentions are revealed, discernment is easier.

Earth is calling us towards carefully discerned, decisive, immediate action. Science tells us avoiding catastrophic climate change is impossible, yet hope is our nature. Hope relies on focused action and heroic commitment to a belief in a different future.  Hope is the magic ingredient that galvanizes Faith and Love to right action. Together, let these three forces inform our deepest questing. Let us never stop believing in miracles. May we all know the wonder of co-creation.

About Open Windows

We, the authors of this blog, dedicate it to the transparent exploration of the world’s sacred scripture and enlightened spiritual thought. We believe that the original inspiration of all faiths comes from a common source, named and revered in a myriad of ways. With that understanding, the innumerable symbols, beliefs, and practices of faith cease to divide. They become open windows to a common reality that inspires and unifies us. We find deeper insight and nourishment in our own faith and from the expression of faith from others.

We hope these weekly quotations and meditations speak to your heart and soul.