Our REAL greatest fear
Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate,
but that we are powerful beyond measure.
And that the moment we realize this, we will
get hit by a bus and lose control of our bowels.
It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us.
Because that light shines on our darkness… and sometimes
in the corners of the darkness where all those spiders are.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?
Which is a good question to ask when we put on
that tube top, or Speedo, and look in the mirror.
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
But, clearly, don’t look anything like Dad…
and not so much like Mom, either. Hmmm.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
Of course, serving the world is a BIG job,
so, it’s probably smarter to play small.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
But it’s a good strategy if you want that
insecure person at the bar to sleep with you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us.
And once we do, we’ll need a whole new wardrobe.
And probably a different car. Not a hybrid.
It is not just in some; it is in everyone.
Though, WAY more in some than others. I mean, duh!
And, as we let our own light shine, we consciously give
other people permission to do the same.
Which is why we should be wearing sunglasses
and something with an SPF of at least 15.
As we are liberated from our fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.
And as we get off our self-righteous high horse,
others will stop trying throw rocks to knock us down.
(Our REAL greatest fear is that we will be quoted by a much-loved world leader and that he will forever get the credit for what we wrote)
–Steven Sashen
August 1st, 2007 at 11:52 pm
Is this one of yours?
T
August 2nd, 2007 at 12:37 am
Yes… I woke up this morning with this in my head (obviously “inspired” by the original from Marianne Williamson… or is it Nelson Mandela?)
August 3rd, 2007 at 9:30 am
Like all good Jews, Marianne Williamson has a great gift for, let’s say “borrowing and adapting” from others
August 16th, 2007 at 9:27 am
A lot there, but on my first visit I just have to say: I have exactly your perspective on the whole guru deal, as it were… Never heard anyone else articulate it!
I think it may be part of a larger fan mentality where it’s easier - in the short run - to focus on idolizing someone else than to see what we can do to move forward in our own lives.
August 16th, 2007 at 9:33 am
Hi Paul,
Isn’t it fun when you find someone who agrees with you? I love it when that happens
I think we’re wired to listen to parental authority figures… it works for us when we’re babies/children and we simply don’t outgrow it.
January 18th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
ROTFL! This is the first time I’ve ever wanted to hang that speech on my wall. Brilliant.
January 18th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
I was inspired one morning
November 8th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
“…Your playing small does not serve the world.
Of course, serving the world is a BIG job,
so, it’s probably smarter to play small..”
I love Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela is a great man. Thanks very much for sharing!