I’ve always appreciated good gear.
It’s a fabulous feeling to be out in a spectacular landscape with the wind blowing and sleet pelting, and yet be completely warm and comfortable.
Our lower bodies—physical, emotional, mental—are the great gear for our soul. They take the hit of the elements, while soul sits safely ensconced, unharmed, unwavering.
The problem arises when we think our great fleece hat, Gortex jacket and waterproof boots are us.
In truth we are soul.
As we open to this reality, the lower layers fade in importance, until we fully embody the love that we are.
P.S. I found this photo among my late mother’s possessions and it reminded me of the many storms I weathered in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. Just like soul, I was impervious to the even the wildest of weather.
Truly beautiful, Lesley Ji! It’s making me to deeply embrace more of the love that I am. 🙂
I’m so happy to hear that, Ravi. What a beautiful soul to embrace.
Brrrrrr…winter and cold weather are for stronger folks than me…what a cute nose you have, Lesley! Consciousness IS!! The rest of us is clothing.
Well said, Al. The rest truly is just clothing. Love that!
What a lovely photo, Lesley.
I never thought of soul as being protected by the outer layers — more of being smothered, but yours is a broader view. If everything is perfectly timed, and soul will emerge like a butterfly from its protective cocoon on schedule, it seems appropriate to acknowledge that soul is too delicate, too sensitive to endure this very gross existence for most of its journey. Lovely contemplation, Lesley.
Beautiful cocoon metaphor, Rudy. When this came through it surprised me too, but on a vibrational level it makes perfect sense. Soul is such a perfectly pure vibration that it needs vibrational protectors to match the elements it endures. Maybe the material world is the Arctic, where it needs down and fleece. The Astral is maybe a more temperate climate where normal clothing is needed, while in the Mental plane a bikini would suffice. Once It ascends past there it can tear it all off and dive into the Ocean of Love and Mercy!
Lesley, Thank you for the reminder! ‘The weather’ has been wild lately!
Haha, Deborah, yes, the weather can be quite wild in the ethers. Hold onto your hat!
Yes, a great picture of you and very interesting take on winter gear. So true! Where in the Aleutians? I spent a summer in Chignik at the Salmon Cannery! I learned a lot, as well, perhaps diff from yours, but nonetheless a life learning.
Cynthia, what an adventure that must have been for you. We were on a small ship that cruised all through the Aleutians and then across to Siberia and back across the Bearing Sea. it was a spectacular trip, one of those epic journeys that changes one forever. One day I would enjoying hearing about your adventure.
Lesley,
Your metaphor hits me right where I am now; still getting used to so many of these concepts regarding soul. My discourse this month is about the soul body, so have also been reading about awakening in soul in the contemplation notes. I feel as if ( in fact I am) a student/chela who is overwhelmed at times that I will ever grasp all that The Master wishes me to know. BUT, learning that if I surrender all to Him, my soul is safely covered, and I will travel this journal slowly, deeply, completely, until I cross the threshold of my true home, within with HIM.
Lesley, Rudy, and Al, I always am touched by the Shabda in your comments. Thank you..
Leslie, thank you for your kind note. Honestly, I know that I have much more to learn, much more, in fact, than I yet know. That’a what I so love about the path of spirit. I know there is no end to the adventure of it. Within every earthly pursuit I ever tried I always reached a point of boredom. I can be assured that with the Beloved, I will always continue to expand. Thank you for your inspiration here and on Facebook.
You hit the nail on head, Lesley.
The biggest paradox is, we try to seek permanent happiness from temporary things. Body, mind, and intellect are just the instruments which we are temporary custodian of. What is immortal is the soul … just pure soul.
And BTW, you look very happy, contented, and gorgeous in the photo. God bless you.
Thank you, Rajiv. You sum it up beautifully. Coming to believe in our own immortality is so empowering. Truly we have nothing to lose.
No garments of clothing, body, emotion or mind can belie your True Nature. Those eyes, those windows to the soul, so lovingly reveal your Beauty that lies within.
Beautifully said, Richard. It is true of each of us. Nothing compares to the power and beauty of the true Self, except, of course the Creator who made us in His image.