Staying Afloat on the Lake of the Mind

In talking about deeper levels of consciousness, metaphors can be helpful. So let’s talk about the Lake of the Mind. It is a deep lake, but we are familiar only with the surface. We know how to swim effortlessly on the surface; modern life is quite good at teaching us all kinds of ingenious strokes for this. It even supplies us with flotation devices that keep us bouncing pleasurably on the surface of life forever. Yet over time we become aware of how much distress is involved in the struggle merely to stay afloat.

If we use water as a role model for life, distress can become less of a problem. It comes in three varieties ~ water vapor, liquid and solid, and we have the option of changing to meet the needs and circumstances. And believe me, our consciousness affects the weather. Global warming isn’t just about air pollution. It is also about who is living on this planet and their state of consciousness. Water is a miracle.  It defies the laws of physics by becoming less dense when frozen. Ice floats and preserves and protects the life beneath it. No other liquid does that.

Jesus tells Nicodemus, “We are water and spirit” when discussing being born again. Where does that come from? To see our true selves reflected we need to still our minds as represented by still water, and we also need to go deeper into our consciousness, as if going into the depths beneath the surface of the water.

The Tao Te Ching states this: “Nothing in the world is as soft and yielding as water, yet for dissolving the hard and inflexible, nothing can surpass it. The soft overcomes the hard; the gentle overcomes the rigid—everyone knows this is true, but few can put it into practice.”

The words of Lao Tzu: “The best, like water, benefit all, and do not compete.” They dwell in lowly spots that everyone else scorns. Putting others before themselves, they find themselves in the foremost place. And come very near to the Tao. So when in doubt imitate water.

I hope you have been able to stay with me today. Life is difficult—I know that, and I just wanted to share some of the things that help me keep on keeping on. We all have choices, and again, I choose life because I wouldn’t be able to face my loved ones when I get to Heaven if I didn’t live up to what their love and desires provided for me.

And anyone reading this who grew up experiencing indifference, rejection, abuse, guilt, blame and shame from all the authorities in their life—from parents to religions—let me know, and I will adopt you and let God know the truth about your divinity. You are a child of God no matter what others have said. You come with a guarantee label which those who are unable to love you often rub it off in the process.

Peace, Love & Healing,
Bernie