Four Questions
by Martha Grier
I had the pleasure recently of attending an event featuring Michael Beckwith and his wife, Rickie Byars Beckwith at The Community Church of New York. The topic was "Spiritual Liberation: Fulfilling Your Soul's Potential", also the title of Rev. Michael's new book.
There was much wisdom shared that evening but the message that stood out for me was when Rev. Michael spoke about three questions he asks himself every day:
- How can I grow?
- How can I give (or serve)?
- What can I celebrate?
"Wherever you are, whatever you do, be in love." -Rumi
These three questions are a fantastic way to help one live with intention, aligning thoughts with action, while travelling down the road of spiritual inquiry to freedom.
"How can I grow?" acknowledges that as spiritual beings having a human experience we never ever really "make it" to the end point of self-discovery. Each revelation we have about ourselves, god, life, and love, naturally leads to continued questioning if we are sincere seekers of Truth. Your commitment to questioning your "reality" allows others to do the same. Imagine if everyone you knew simply asked that one question every day! Before you knew it, the world would be filled with individuals who aren't content to believe what they hear, read, or even see with the physical eyes, but to question every belief, thought, and opinion they have; making sure their position comes from direct experience and is rooted in the heart's knowing.
"How can I give?" reminds us that we are not here merely to satisfy our desires--material or spiritual--but to express the Love that is inherent in each and every one of us, and honor the divine energy that flows through us in the act of giving. Even if all you have to give is a smile, a silent prayer, or a nod of acknowledgment to a passing stranger, the reverberation of your intentional offering--whether received by the intended person or not--will surely be infinitely felt as you shift your internal vibration to one of selfless service.
"What can I celebrate?" give us pause to live in a mind- and heart-set of gratitude. Regardless of what may be challenging you at any given moment, there is always something for which to be thankful. Being in gratitude--especially during times when it seems like nothing is going "right"--lifts us out of the downward spiral of habitual thought patterns which allow us to so easily lose sight of what is good and right in our lives. An air of celebration adds lightness and reminds us not to take circumstances--or ourselves--too seriously.
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Above all else, Love.
