Discernment and The Void

We live in an information age, of that there is no doubt. Most assume (I assume) that this is an entirely positive state, and celebrate the fact that we now have the ability to share our thoughts, creations, observations and opinions with the entire world through the wonders of the internet and social media that resides within that structure. It is a crude but powerful example of our true connectedness with each other and Creation itself. A sort of "One Mind" model only with more advertisements and pitfalls along the way.

Using this tool, many of us have re-shaped our worldview, or more likely reinforced the worldview we have accepted as our version of "Truth" by seeking out and aligning with those who offer "facts" and opinions that reinforce this personal view of our world. This can be greatly satisfying to the smaller part of our being who demands constant reinforcement and validation - the Ego. When a seeker finds that link to the article that PROVES Obama is a shape-shifting reptile who is intent on serving us up to his Draco overlords as lunch, that small part leaps up from wherever it is seated and shouts "See! I KNEW it was true!!". Often the next step is to post the link and share with others in the hope of reinforcing the notion in the wider sphere, while also, (likely) unknowingly satisfying the need to keep the Ego happy. This may even be the primary function of passing on discoveries - a need to satisfy our own doubts, more than any kind of benevolent attempt to "wake up" others. I can't count the number of times I have read an article or commentary expressing the frustration of not being able to make others "see" as we do. Countless tales exist of dismissing others as "agents" or "trolls" simply for not being entirely in alignment with EVERY SINGLE ASPECT of a writer's worldview. This is a tool of division and is extremely dangerous. (Hint - it isn't your job to "enlighten" anyone. You risk coming off as an arrogant ass for even attempting to do so.)


 We find a certain resonance when our pieces click together, and this is where I think that discernment enters and needs to be practiced, as I contend that there are differing centers within that provide these resonances and steer us towards accepting (then probably sharing) our discovered "Truths". The most easily seen level of resonance is an intellectual one, driven by what we "know" and are able to tap into with relative ease. This is the realm of Ego, and is most likely to allow false information to be embraced and held as Truth - simply to satisfy the needs of Ego itself.

On a subtler level, resonance occurs and we may not even recognize it as such. It may even be uncomfortable for some, as it wars with the Ego and can cause that most dreaded of states - doubt. Cognitive dissonance is truly a bitch. Few things are more difficult for humans to process on an intellectual level that the notion of being "wrong" about something, and the longer one holds to their own personal view of Existence and strives to reinforce it with research and "proofs", the harder it becomes to admit any information that is contradictory or challenging of that view, regardless of the veracity of said info. Truth then become personalized and walls are build to defend and isolate. I will state here that I do not think that the idea of a truly individual Truth is at all inaccurate, just that the manner in which one constructs their perception needs to be carefully sorted and vetted in a deeper space to avoid the traps of the coarser aspect. Many tools are used to distill incoming information down to a finer level for discernment, and have been throughout our time here as sentient beings. It is wise, I think, to develop an internal system of fact-checking, and one that does not reside above the shoulders and between the ears. The brain has many important functions for us, but I do not believe separating truth from fiction is one of its better uses.

I will make an attempt to share an experience I had that illustrated for me the value of staying as empty as possible; of clinging to no beliefs and being open to new possibilities and resonances as they present, for the purpose of truly becoming "Enlightened" or aligned with creation. Words are not best suited for this task, but it is all that I have available in this moment to attempt to share.

One night, upon climbing into bed for my slumber, I recall dozing into that half-awake state where one is not fully asleep nor awake. In this space, I experienced a brilliant, sparkling light that rose incredibly fast from my core and exploded out of the top of my head, leaving me in the aftermath of this "Big Bang" in what I can only describe as a "state". There was no sense of location, no recognition of time, and the position from which this was observed is indescribable. There was no visual attraction, no sound or sensation that was familiar. This was a state of No-thing. This was what I now believe was The Void.

If one were to attempt to describe the duration of this visit using conventional methods, I was there for the most incredibly small fraction of "time". Yet, within this duration, something was shown that I carry with me at my deepest core, and has become one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. I experienced the complete and utter removal of every-thing from my perception, yet found contained within a profound condition that I term "potential". In that infinite moment of hesitation, All was contained, not as an expression but as the potential for the expression of absolutely everything. It was all "there", hanging, paused, ready to manifest and begin the outward movement that would, I suppose, result in becoming separated from the source if one can imagine that is possible. And I believe that "Source" is indeed what was tapped into in this moment. Much like brushing up against a line carrying voltage, an incredible surge was created and then ceased, leaving a lingering sense of "Wow" and no small amount of tingling.

The true value of this lesson was the realization that to fully appreciate the gift of resonance and discernment from within, I needed to make sure that my vessel was as empty as possible to allow a proper flow from this Source. The constant scanning of web pages in search of external truth had begun to pile up layer upon layer of crap that was acting as a dam and a filter. "I don't know" became OK, and even seen as a desired condition. This the Ego does not appreciate, but it is not my job to satisfy that small and base component. I see it as a small child that simply needs to be recognized and affirmed, but NOT catered to and spoiled at the cost of all other peace and harmony. It is a continuing struggle....

I encourage any and all reading this to take whatever steps are needed to pull back from the drive to discover all that exists "out there" and to try and explain it from an intellectual standpoint. I even more strongly encourage you to refrain from attempting to convince others of your own discoveries, as you do not do this out of compassion or love for anyone, but to satisfy your inner desire to be right and have what you have picked up and put into your collection of "truths" validated. The truly benevolent manifestation of this practice is to give and share your experience as something to be weighed by the other on their own scales and checked for a deeper resonance. The expectation that your own personal discoveries be adopted by anyone else is an affront and not borne from a place of Love. It is shown that this is the cause of much violence in our world.

  If one can truly begin to comprehend what "All" encompasses, it becomes clear that there is no single, Universal Truth that will be shared by every individual as we stroll around and try to find our way as Humans. That is entirely OK and proper. I encourage you to reflect upon what is contained within the concept of All, and see that what we can likely never reach that point where we can grasp it - short of returning to the Source of it All. There are no limitations, no "right" and "wrong" within this construct, and no real reason to take any of it personally. It simply "is", or is in the process of "becoming". Where we, as individual fragments, fit into this picture is not entirely clear to me, but a fuzzy outline is beginning to form and I know it is not simply a matter of clicking on the right link to arrive there.......

Tap that Source. It is All there, and that is the Truth.

Z