Month: July 2022

“Be willing to be a beginner every single morning.”

When I read this quote by Meister Eckhart, a German theologian, philosopher, and mystic who lived from 1260 to 1328, I thought about how it applies in various contexts.

The idea of being a beginner each day reminds me of the importance of being open to new possibilities and approaches.  To be watchful of the tendency to become set in our ways without realizing that is happening.  To notice when we have an automatic response to something rather than taking a moment for thoughtful reflection about how best to respond.

Meister Eckhart’s words also remind me of the opportunities we are given for “fresh starts.”  When we realize we’ve made a mistake, we can take steps to rectify it.  When we’ve inadvertently hurt someone, we can apologize.  Sometimes people don’t accept apologies, but we can do our part and then recognize that if our apology isn’t accepted at least we made the effort.  And we can look at each day as a fresh start.  When we awake each morning, we can say a prayer of thanksgiving for another day of life we’ve been given, and also pray for guidance to help us make decisions we need to make and to do the actions we need to do that day.

Meister Eckhart’s quote also brings to mind the virtue of humility, in that by being willing to embrace the idea of being a beginner we acknowledge that we don’t have all the answers, that there is always more to learn.  Sincere humility is one of the most valuable qualities we can have.  It involves a willingness to recognize our humanity, including our limitations.  It’s also important to recognize the qualities and abilities we have, but when doing so to remember they are gifts from our Creator.

Being willing to be a beginner seems like such a simple idea.  And yet sincerely doing so can have a positive effect on many aspects of our lives as well as on the lives of people with whom we interact.

“If we look at the buildings we live and work in, the roads we travel, the clothes we wear, or the food we eat, we must acknowledge that all are provided by others.  None would exist for us to enjoy and make use of were it not for the kindness of so many people unknown to us.”

This quote by the Dalai Lama serves as a reminder of the connections among human beings.  When we think of connections, many of us think of the people we know, the personal relationships we have with others.  Those relationships matter very much.  But there’s also the larger interconnection among all people.

The Dalai Lama emphasizes the kindness of the many people who through their work make available the items we need and use.  In addition to their kindness, I appreciate their commitment to doing their jobs, many of which require hard labor.  An example is the workers who harvest fruits and vegetables whose work involves repetitious movement for several hours each day.  Fresh fruit and vegetables are essential to good health and their availability in the stores where we shop is truly a blessing.

The other day I ran several errands.  I dropped off some items at a recycling center, returned and picked up items from the library, had the tire pressure checked and adjusted, and went to the grocery store.  I noticed the good customer service of the people working at each of the places I went, and I was reminded of the Dalai Lama’s words.  I also appreciate the people who work after businesses are closed to stock shelves and do the cleaning, making the spaces nice for those of us who will be there the next day.  Most of these “behind-the-scenes” jobs are low-paying, and yet they are essential.

It can be easy to take things for granted.  It’s words such as those of the Dalai Lama that help us remember to appreciate and be thankful for our many blessings and for the many people unknown to us that make them possible.

“We are called to achieve personhood–to contribute most to others by becoming who we are, and standing for values that matter in this world, whatever the obstacles history provides us.”

This quote is by Jungian analyst, author, and speaker James Hollis from his book What Matters Most–Living a More Considered Life.

One of the principle concepts of Jungian theory is that each of us has the potential to grow in consciousness.  Becoming more conscious persons leads to our living more purposeful and meaningful lives.  Dr. Hollis’ words “becoming who we are” is another way of expressing this truth.  And his words “to contribute most to others” remind us that becoming more conscious not only benefits each of us as individuals, but also enables us to interact more genuinely with other people, and to better understand, have empathy for, and assist them.

Although Jungian psychological theory is not a religious-based theory per se, its emphasis on individuation clearly correlates with the teachings of many religious traditions, including Christianity.  The ongoing life-long process of individuation is basically synonymous with the life-long process of becoming the unique persons the Creator created us to be and using the abilities we’ve been given to help others.  By endeavoring to do this, we certainly do stand for values that matter, as Hollis says.

In his quote, Hollis also refers to “whatever the obstacles history provides us.”  When I read that, I thought about how all of us have personal histories as well as the history of the larger culture surrounding us, and we are affected by both.  Hollis’ words are hopeful, reminding us that we can live according to values that matter despite obstacles.

Standing for the values that matter takes courage, in particular when doing so is not supported by people we care about.  By becoming more conscious persons, we are given that courage and many other inner supports to continue our journey of “becoming who we are.”