:hug:
I certainly resonate with most everything you've shared, especially the focus on being mindful and authentic.
Regarding this excerpt:
I understand what you mean when you say, "in the hope of alleviating suffering." It's the noble bodhisattva intention, but I have to admit I see it a bit differently (I'd make an iconoclastic boddisatva, but what else is new?). I try to engage in such a way that my actions are mindful and authentic, and that they hold adequate space for the alleviation of suffering. Whatever happens after I act, whether it alleviates or causes suffering, forms part of a new reality that I then have to address on its own terms. This is a long-winded way of saying I am a bit gun-shy about the word "hope", because of its potential for attachment leading to suffering if my hope is not fulfilled.
First, I'd like to share that I don't view it as noble (as I interpret the word) because, for me at least, my desires/hopes/intentions as they concern others and my work, serve to bring ME joy, and alleviate my own suffering. If I am able to alleviate another's suffering (as they have requested in some way), or offer any measure of joy or peace, I am equally gifted, so it's a mutual energy exchange, not a noble sacrifice or anything such as that.
I believe I understand what you're saying in the above quote box, and I actually agree. I think it's a matter of semantics, which is another topic that has been actively explored of late with others.
:)
I've learned (though there's always the potential to have to re-learn...lol) to essentially do my best, "put it out there," and detach from the outcome. When it comes to my "hope of alleviating suffering," for me, there are many intentions contained within those four words.
The more wordy explanation, out of respect for those who read at ASAH, is that it's my intention to offer my love, my service, my creations, my vibration, my energy, my presence...whatever one chooses to call it...to the world as an expression of love, joy and compassion.
I no longer have an attachment to how it's received or perceived, and thus don't personally suffer as a result of unfulfilled expectations. I am open to the unfolding, accepting that I don't know what the most joyful, least harmful outcome(s) may be. There are many reasons why people may choose to experience suffering or not to embrace joy and love; I recognize that and try not to judge and simply accept. (And while I have released expectation and detached in that way, I am mindful to accept responsibility for the outcomes of my actions, thoughts, etc.)
Instead, I'm trusting that for anyone who does choose a similar path as I have at this point in time -- a path calling forth less suffering, more joy, and a path of
doing what I'm called to do to manifest it -- we'll connect, or what I've "put out there" and what they're calling forth and/or offering will connect in some way.
While I value and actually revere the power of words -- written, spoken, unspoken -- I am currently at a point in my life where I'm no longer overly concerned about the words I choose.
Don't get me wrong. I probably still give it more thought than most people, but I used to be obsessed (Virgo) with choosing the perfect words to express what I want to say in order for EVERYONE to understand.
:rofl: Obviously, that's not possible, and it exhausted me. I can't control how others perceive my words, actions and so forth, as it's based on their own perceptions and experiences.
Semantics and intentions are interesting topics of discussion with others in the spiritual community. Words such as "hope" and "wish" are given a lot of attention as to the energy they radiate, and quite a few have "disconnected" from me because of my decision to use such words. Yet it's my choice to use simple words and try to be as brief as possible (though I usually fail miserably) in an effort to save time and energy, allowing my intention to carry the message, and then releasing it.
A good example of this is an interaction I had with the founder of a fairly large spiritual community which focuses on intentions and cultivating a mindfulness about our intentions. Which is awesome, and I certainly connect and resonate with that mission.
In my work, I do use words such as "wish," "hope" and "dream" in an effort to reach those who may not give so much energy to words, and instead perceive the positive vibration of those words (which is my intention).
Yet, because there is such a huge focus on words...and the feeling that words such as "wish" and "hope" are contrary to "intention"...the decision was made by the founder of this organization to not work together in any capacity.
And that's okay.
:)
NOW whose response is convoluted? :eyes: But, hey, my intention is to express myself clearly!
:rofl:
More :hug: