Break on Through to the Other Side...

Within my memory, the above refrain, "Break on through to the other side" seems to be a line from an old rock song - possibly by The Doors, although I am not 100% certain of this.  In any event, it has made itself known to me and I think a very accurate description of what happens when we have personal shifts in our own ideology.

 We "break through" our own rigid internal barriers created to support our ego identification with personality (beliefs, opinions, etc) and illumine our own minds with an expanded awareness of a different idea or opinion or Truth of Being held by "the other".  This other looks like and sounds like another human being; however, I am convinced that in fact, that being is acting out the spiritual side of our own nature.

As I believe there truly is no separation, then what you think say or do is a reflection, in some way, of me.  In literal fact, our dna is almost identical.So, what does this all have to do with now? 

I had such a breakthrough yesterday.  I have a dear friend who has begun driving much slower.  In her mind, she is choosing to be more present in the moment and taking the time to notice things around her.  To me, driving so much slower than the speed limit, poses a physical danger to her and to the people driving around her.  At lunch, I said something to her about it and suggested that she speed up a little.  Well, her response was one of hurt.  Oh my....

After we parted, I called to apologize for clearly saying something that triggered an old hurt.  We talked for awhile, and I realized that my "idea" of driving slower and its importance to me was not of issue at all.  It had to do with inposing my opinion about my friend's behavior on her - which touched a long-held childhood belief that she was "wrong."  I was vividly reminded of the Serenity Prayer:  "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."  The only thing I can change is me - my ideas, beliefs, opinions and behavior!

It also remidned me - in a major way - that I, too, have unhealed hurts.  As I soften my heart to myself and learn to accept my "opinion" about myself...as I truly recognize my oneness with every other being on the planet...the armor surrounding my heart can begin to fall away.  Only then, will I "break" my resistance and move "on through" as One with The Other.

I am also grateful that forgiveness is a major spiritual component in long-held relationships for my love and caring for my friend (and hers of me) is only solidified each time either of us has a "break through".  God is...and all is well.Blessed Be.