The Power Within Is When We Choose Embodiment Over Idolatry

In our pursuit of ideals, we shift from embodying the qualities we admire to merely worshipping them from afar. Instead of "being the change we wish to see in the world," we've outsourced responsibility to symbols and rituals, losing sight of the transformative power within ourselves.

How do we lose sight of being the change we wish to see in the world? It is not a quote to admire from a distance, it is our call to action.

We lose sight of being when we stop seeing eye to eye, and instead, our eyes look down or up, lost in our own idea of superiority or inferiority. Whereas, if we could each take a good look at what our individual strengths and challenges are, we can better appreciate what each of us can contribute in terms of our talents, expertise, wisdom, knowledge, experience, and our authentic individualized journey. We are algorithmic in our experience alone, not one of us the same.

We lose sight of being when we focus on what others should do differently

and

when we fail to recognize the culture we can create and maintain ourselves.

We lose sight of being when we compare ourselves to others, believing they have something we lack

and

when we fail to see the unique strengths within ourselves that are already enough.

We lose sight of being when we place the qualities we admire on pedestals instead of grounding them in the reality of our own self

and

when we internalize the voice and opinions of another, allowing them to define our worth and actions instead of trusting our own path.

We lose sight of being when we seek approval from others, valuing their perceptions over our own

and

disregarding our inner voice, letting fear or doubt steer us away from our authentic self.

We lose sight of being when we idolize the success of others, thinking achievements are beyond our reach,

and

when we dismiss our own potential, convincing ourselves we are not capable.

We lose sight of being when we focus on external outcomes, measuring our worth by what is visible

and

when we neglect the internal journey, forgetting that transformation begins within, not in the approval of anyone else.

We lose sight of being when we look for the perfect solution, rather than taking imperfect but necessary steps toward being a little bit better than before

and

when we don't see the perfection in our progress and in our willingness to evolve, we are quite literally made for this.

We lose sight of being when we point fingers at others, idolize perfection, and focus on the flaws in one another and this world,

and

when we point them at ourselves, losing sight of our own worth, potential and individual expression.

We lose sight of being when we seek comfort in separation from shared purpose,

and

when we seek comfort in the echo of groups, reinforcing our own beliefs while avoiding the uncomfortable challenge of our individual growth.

We lose sight of being when we externalize blame to separate ourselves from the very healing we seek,

and

when we internalize guilt, trapping ourselves in thinking we alone are responsible for the world's ills.

In ways, we defer our power to systems, leaders, and symbols. The transformation we seek, however, requires us to embody the values we revere in our own lives.

The reminder is always there, no matter who or what we look to for guidance we must remain mindful that when our feet are planted on the earth, we are equal. And when we are equal, we meet eye to eye, not in worship or submission, but in shared human experience.

When we meet eye to eye, the barriers of hierarchy and idolatry fall away, reminding us that the power to create change is not bestowed upon a select few, but rather, it is shared equally among us all. In that shared gaze, we see the reflection of our responsibility for ourselves, and to others.

In seeking to embody the qualities we admire, we reclaim the truth that no figure, ideal, or symbol can absolve us of the responsibility to live those values ourselves.

By venerating ideals as separate from our own being, we perpetuate a comforting illusion, that transformation is someone else’s task, when true change has always been ours to enact.

We lose sight of being when we focus on the flaws of the world, without first addressing the role we play in its creation, and when we seek love outside ourselves, forgetting that true love begins within and radiates outward.

Love is not vanity, and being is not worship. To love another as yourself means that every other person is, in a sense, another self deserving of the same care and respect you seek for yourself.

Love is the force that connects us to one another and to ourselves in truth, while being is the embodiment of who we are in our raw, unfiltered authenticity, not a reflection of something or someone to be revered, but a presence to be lived fully, by you.

So even when we have our moments where lose sight of being, know that there is at least one person searching for the same answers, by asking the same questions, seeking the same connection, and through that shared journey we have the opportunity to discover ourselves, each other.

Love is the tether that brings us together, and it is in love’s pull that we find our way to the deeper truths that connect us. In its embrace, we are reminded that we are never truly lost.

There is joy, hope, and the countless moments of beauty that exist within and around us, waiting to be felt, recognized, and embraced over and over. There is laughter shared, kindness offered, and the warmth of a touch that says more than words ever could. In the resilience in a shared struggle, and the beauty found in understanding one another’s experiences. In every act of compassion, in every moment of shared humanity, there is an invitation to connect to something bigger, and that bigger is simply being ourselves with each other.

Despite what seems cynical, there exists a smoldering ember within another, a quiet flame that, even if it's just in one person other than you, has the power to ignite the rage of potential, awakening within you what seemed impossible, a blaze so fierce it burns away all doubt, lighting up your world with love and a new sense of purpose.