Most of us have, at one time or another, felt the inner crunching that comes from others wanting to tame us. It is as if who we are, and what we feel called to do must fit into some pattern and design that is foreign to us. In order to avoid unpleasant feedback, we keep to the place others have laid out for us, we fit in with accepted norms, we refrain from shining too brightly. Still, deep in the heart of us, there is a spirit that won't be tamed. Our soul will not endure the dark void of anonymity. Herman Melville said it well in the classic novel, Moby Dick, “You cannot hide the soul.”
The ember of unique identity and purpose that was given to us even before we were born is anxious to be birthed. We somehow know we must be true to the movement of this identity and purpose within us. It may take heroic effort to discover, but when once a glimmer of it peeks through the darkness, we will push up and out through the dense grasses until we grace the earth with the beauty of ourselves.
I have long suppressed my true nature. My brother knows this and reminds me in our deep personal conversations of how I am not genuine or true to myself. At work I am marginalized and placed into marching order. I have put others first most of my life and suppressed my God given abilities in order to keep peace with others. I am becoming, in my actions and physiologically, the person others want me to be. My imprisoned soul seeks to be set free. I am in search for the true me.
Posted by: Joe 11/30/2008 1:02:01 AM
I see this quite often in the classroom. An inquisitive student who cannot hide his/her soul. Being a college instructor gives me this opportunity to witness the growth of a person's soul for the betterment of all concerned. This particular individual delights in this learning and sharing for it is a part of an enlightened journey that will last an eternity.
Posted by: Suzyo 6/13/2008 9:47:02 PM
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