beyond words

We act and react to circumstances in accordance with what we think, which is a product of experiential memory. When we see a friend, we do not really see them. Viewing the image of them we have created, and though we may cherish it, we do not show love to the actual person. We limit them to past patterns of Being the same way we limit ourselves, and therefore the future inevitably becomes the past.

Words communicate the Logos throughout our existence, defining, describing, and punctuating experiences, but they also constrain and narrow. Thus a word cannot contain the whole of reality, because it is just a symbol. Words may point to the Truth from another’s perspective, but one can only know it, I would argue, in direct personal experience.

When we think, it is always through a filter of sorts, through past interactions or images. We may hold grievances against another, for “they were unfair to me” and “they treated me cruelly”, which may be true, but in holding malice against them internally we also hold it against ourselves. For what we perceive in others we perceive in ourselves, whether it be beautiful or something we can only behold with horror.

Words may be transcended through a flowing and conscious return to the present, whenever the mind is swept away into habitual thinking. Of course one may argue that even when we are absent minded we are still technically in the present, and I would agree, but psychologically, one is trapped in past projection. Transformation of the mind into compassion is halted by the constant proliferation of words, ideals, and conditioning.

In summary, look at things as they are and do not make ideas about all of them. Treat each person as an ever-changing divine presence, and look at their “attacks” as appeals for love.

There is a peace, one lying beyond words, that is of itself. It is without cause, and ever-present. Native to you, but unrecognized. Look within and behold, beyond the veils of illusion, the infinite light of Christ.

Art by Sofiya Inger