Riches, Loss and Redemption: One Woman's Journey. Marti Eicholz Eicholz
Christ. Yet how well it describes out inner quest for enlightenment, and the subsequent discomfort we feel when we try to reconcile the new things we see and learn with our former sense of reality.
First, look at how Plato positions us all in a shadow-state, where we are unable to look either to the right or the left. This is a wonderful metaphor for an inflexible mindset, where we accept the attitudes and platitudes that have been handed to us, and we fail to ask whether there might be a more complete reality.
Isn’t this how we are sometimes, taking ideas for granted? We go along with the status quo. We fail to ask how things might be different or unique and instead feel that there’s nothing more for us to do than simple continue on with the way they are or letting situations continue without questioning.
Often we assume that there are preordained rules, perhaps even a fate already written for us up in the sky someplace, and there’s no room for independent thinking. Far from it—independent thinking often is viewed as “radical”, “revolting”, “revolutionary,” or even dangerous, as it upsets the apple cart. I knew very well this kind of thinking. Much of my early years were spent avoiding and resisting mind molding manipulations.
Why would anybody allow themselves to become calcified into a temperament with too much obedience to rules and regulations without carefully consideration and thought? I knew why! Fear! When you think of those prisoners in Plato’s cave staring at shadows on the wall, don’t you get a spooky, haunting feeling of fear? With an overabundance of fear, we avoid questioning, because we are afraid of what we might find out. We obey all the rules, because we’re afraid of what the consequences might be. We allow ourselves to become too regimented, and too inflexible, because we lack the courage to do anything else.
After reviewing this ancient story, especially at this time of year, I asked for an increase in my inner light, giving me more independence and courage. I vowed not to see things from a limited standpoint, but be willing to actually perceive the world around me in a completely different way.
Robert and I did not participate in an organized church, but we were full of love and we had lights that could shine for each other and everyone we met. We wanted our hearts to be open and attuned to the manifestations of light in our lives.
We rang in the New Year with much anticipation. I had always cherished the genesis of a new era. My intention for improvement was a major factor in helping me not feel bored or restless. I did understand that every day brings completely new opportunities for growth, exploration and discovery. Nothing but the power of my own inertia decrees that I would be the same person as yesterday. So would the dawning of this New Year bring me--sameness or exhilarating adventure? Well, I guess it depended on my attitude. For several months I had been experiencing seemingly a never-ending newness. Each new morning had offered me a chance to try again, aim higher, put forth more effort and come armed with fresh objectives to do my part in contributing to making our lives happier and healthier. I did feel alive. I believed this continuing feeling of newness was magnificent evidence of the power of life itself, ever-changing, ever-transforming, and ever-flowing. I was open to this incredible gift of a New Year.
We had scheduled several business trips and I was Robert’s travelling side-kick. And I didn’t mind. Robert and I travelled well together, knowing where to be and not to be at the appropriate time, being attentive to the other’s needs and wishes and participating where and when it was requested. This gave me an opportunity to view and witness new and different situations, styles and learning to adjust to various conditions.
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