“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” – Michelangelo
“I see the divinity in each person and I adjust until they set themselves free!” – Louis Corleto
If this sounds like a great concept that isn’t practical, do yourself a favor and try a little experiment. Commit to spending one trip to the store in a state of love.
Here’s how it might look: you decide that today’s trip to the grocery store is when you’d like to experiment with seeing the divine in everyone. Before leaving, you tune into your deepest center, that space of nothingness, peace, and your connection to All That Is. (It doesn’t matter how you do this — breathing, meditation, prayer, etc.)
Now as you drive/bike/walk to the store, see everything and everyone through the eyes of love. Notice the beauty and inherent value in absolutely everything, from the beautiful farmer’s fields to the litter on the ground, from the flitting butterflies to the dead animal carcass on the shoulder of the road.
(Pause here if you’re having trouble with this — perhaps you are wondering, “How can I see beauty in a dead animal carcass?” Think of the amazing creation of that animal and its beauty and spirit. Recognize that life and death are both part of this earthly experience and are neither good nor bad. Remember that the animal’s body was only one part of its essence. Know that the animal contributed in some sweet way during its time here on Earth, and that its spirit lives on, now as a part of our Oneness. Thank the animal for its time and service here on Earth and send it love.)
When you arrive at the store, take the time to really notice the people. Focus on looking past their surface behaviors and personality quirks…look deeply into their eyes, to their wondrous core. Imagine how adorable this person was as a little baby. Sense their caring heart, even if it’s been long-covered with protective layers of anger and sarcasm. Refuse to focus on the superficialities of the person — instead drill down to the center of their being where each of us is a light-filled soul.
Love them for no reason — not because they did anything, not because they accomplished something, not even because they are a particularly nice human being — just love them because they exist, because they are your brother/sister, because they are connected to you on a deep level where all of humanity is one big family.
Please be gentle with yourself — if you are not able to do this today, commit to trying it again another day. If you are only able to have a momentary glimpse of this loving way of looking at others, then delight in that experience — for if you can have it once, you can have it again. No matter what the outcome, congratulate yourself for trying something new, for intending to step into a grander, more loving space, and for living with more awareness.
I’d love to hear about your experiments — please share how this experience felt for you, what impact it had on you, etc.
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