Learning

January 11, 2024

Welcome to this series of Daily Reflections on "Learning"

At this time of year, reflecting on what we have learned in the last twelve months is a beautiful exercise. Did we learn a new skill or hobby? Did we learn about another culture or a new sport? Did we learn a new language or system of thought?

Ironically, of all the many things we learn about, the most important is ourselves. Many think our 'self' is our personality and ego. Therefore, we explore our personality's characteristics, interests, wishes, and desires. These are interesting, even fascinating, but absorption in our personalities, moods, preferences, plans, stories, and personal history keeps us on the level of our surface selves. The tragedy is that we think that is the only level of existence.

On the other hand, to know our soul is to know our fathomless spiritual identity. This identity is much deeper than our surface personality. Entering our depths is to enter the soul's mystery, which is part of the Divine mystery. Once we journey into the realm of the soul, we understand that we are more than our bodies, minds, and emotions. We learn we are beings with a profound spiritual purpose and a capacity to fulfill that purpose.

As we explore that purpose and embrace it, we become conscious of the characteristics of our soul. These are the characteristics of our most essential self, our essence. Once in touch with our essence, our bodies, minds, and emotions increasingly manifest the highest power to which they are connected.

Knowing our essence's characteristics, qualities, and transcendent abilities takes us beneath the surface level of existence and connects us with our divine nature.

Inquiry: What would life be like if you accepted that you have divine capacities?

Dear God,

Thanks to your mercy, I learn every day about the Divine within me and the Divine within my sisters and brothers. This is endless and amazing learning. Amen

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