When we were kids we were nothing but excited to be invited to a party. Someone wanted us to be there for their happy occasion, wheeeee!
But, then our parents and friends stepped in and taught us some important lessons. “You need to get on good clothes before you go.” “Wash up!” “What present are you bringing?” These lessons are good and important, but at the time they had the effect of making us think something was wrong. Going to a party was not as easy as it seemed. It was a source for concern and worry. “Will they like me?” “Will they like my shoes?” “Do they really want me there, or are they just being nice?”
So now, as adults, responsible and self-sufficient, we second guess and ruminate over the invitations. Even if we have integrated these valid concerns in a highly effective way, they are still there. Those that do nothing to prepare for a party are either doing so to be spiteful, or are disconnected painfully and are no longer capable of basic social niceties. We should show respect to the party, but that is not the same as being worried about it.
All of the trappings of social preparation do serve a purpose, and can be used to enhance and honor the occasion, but somewhere they get bent around the edges and worry/fear (however subtle) is the result. When we get invited to a party, all these concerns spring up, and they all amount to basically the same thing, “How can I do this attending of the party right?”
The great teachers of Spirit speak in terms of an invitation. Each of them may embellish more, or less, depending upon their circumstance and surroundings, but at the base the message is, “Come join me Here-Now!” They repeatedly extend the invitation for us to experience what they experience by simply being who we are, at present, and from that place recognize the root reality we all share. They smile and say, “It’s right here! Jump in and let’s play!” But, immediately our habits come up - “Great! Awesome! I’ll join you! How do I do it?” “Okay, what practice should I do?” “Sounds like a blast! Let me just take care of a few things first then I’ll be right over!” And, once again, we miss the party. The teacher smiles and nods, and continues to extend the same invitation. Always.
The light shines through when we can take that invitation. And with each such happy occasion a little more worry falls away. “Oh yes, this party. Lovely, I enjoy being here so much.” And, we want to stay, and that is a kind of worry too. We want to freeze the party just were it is, and then instead of never showing up, or leaving early, the party passes us by.
The party is going on right now, with or without us. I think it would be funner if we all went.
Stumble it!
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