Chapter 13.3: Embracing Our Place in the Universe


Therefore, only those who value themselves as part of a larger world can be entrusted with it;

Only those who love themselves as if the whole world depended on them can be put in charge of it.

This passage is about understanding our place in the broader universe and valuing ourselves accordingly.  We live not just for ourselves – but for the greater world.  Everybody in this world is important – is valuable.  We matter and have our existence, our very being has purpose.  Everyone has something to offer and contribute to the world.  When we learn to see ourselves – our being as part of a greater world and choose to embrace the value that we can add to the world – what we can offer to all those around us – that’s when the world can be entrusted to our care.  In the words of author, spiritual thought leader, and political activist Marianne Williamson:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness

That most frightens us.

We ask ourselves

Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small

Does not serve the world.

There's nothing enlightened about shrinking

So that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine,

As children do.

We were born to make manifest

The glory of God that is within us.

It's not just in some of us;

It's in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,

We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we're liberated from our own fear,

Our presence automatically liberates others.”

~ Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love

Truly valuing ourselves doesn’t mean placing our worth above anyone else.  Truly valuing ourselves doesn’t mean seeing ourselves as superior to others.  It also doesn't mean robbing ourselves of our true worth – each of us is a rare treasure.  When we truly see our worth and the difference we can make, the impact that we can have, and the great gifts that all we have to offer this world – and how desperately the world needs what each of us has to offer – that’s when we find our purpose and mission.  We are not just our own – we belong to something bigger and grander.  When we discover that and give ourselves permission to live into that, we recognize that everyone else around us also has their own unique purpose, mission, and contribution to make the world a better place just as we do and we give them permission to pursue their own path, and walk their own Way. 

Imagine for a moment, that we were in one of those blockbuster movies and that the fate of the whole world rested in our hands.  That we had the solution to the problem, the antidote for the illness, the answer to the question, the missing piece of the puzzle.  People would invariably flock to our aid, would join forces with us, and would inevitably sacrifice themselves to protect and save us.  The truth is that each of us is part of the solution; each of us is the antidote; each of us has the answers; each of us holds a piece of the puzzle; we can help each other discover and fulfill our life’s mission, pursue our purpose, and share our message.  As American children's rights activist Marian Wright Edelman puts it: "Each of us can make a difference by caring and acting in small as well as big ways."  Or, in the profound words of author, advocate, and dear friend Alexs Thompson, “each of us can be the hero of our own story.”  

So, choose to think only the best about ourselves.  Eliminate limiting labels.  Don’t settle for less than.  Choose to see ourselves as a priceless treasure.  Be and become the best version of ourselves.  Give ourselves permission to dream.  If we believe, we can achieve, and we will receive.  There is always a Way – a Way forward, a Way up, a Way through, a Way around.  Clear the clutter from our lives and make room for something better.  Nourish our core being – we are not an object to be put on display – we are a force to be reckoned with!  Find a passion project, a purpose, a mission.  Take control of our self-talk – if we don’t build ourselves up and choose to see ourselves as the best possible version of ourselves – who will?  We are worthy, worthwhile, and deserving of all the abundance and opportunity we can imagine – and then some.  Each of us is unique, one-of-a-kind, and irreplaceable.  No one else can do and bring what we can to this universe.  Believe it, embrace it, and live into it and it will lead us along a personal path – the gateway to all wonder and discovery.  The journey of a thousand leagues begins underfoot with a single step. ~ DCB


 


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